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Donald Haack Obituary
Mr. Haack, 78, of Charlotte, diamond expert, adventurer, author and founder of Donald Haack Diamonds & Fine Gems in Charlotte passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 1, 2009 at Carolinas Medical Center following a brief illness.
Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the late Eleanor and Erwin Haack, Donald Haack lived a life consistent with his motto 'You've got one life -- go for it!' His sense of adventure never waivered, and he built a reputation as a world-renowned diamond expert adhering to the highest ethical standards.
A talented and engaging storyteller, Mr. Haack authored three books about his adventures entitled 'Bush-Pilot in Diamond Country', 'Diamond Safari,' and 'Diamonds 'neath My Wings.'
Mr. Haack graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a major in Economics and Finance, after which he served in the U.S. Marines at Cherry Point, NC. He spent 20 years abroad as manager and consultant of diamond mining companies in British Guiana and Venezuela, licensed buyer of rough diamonds, and as a pilot with over 5,000 hours of bush flying. In the 1970's, he designed, built and operated excursion boats in Grenada and St. Martin and maintained international gem connections in Europe.
An active and highly respected member of the Charlotte community, over the years Mr. Haack gave freely of his time and energy to many charitable and professional organizations.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Janet Mills Haack; daughters, Diana Haack Smith (Michael) of Charlotte, and Julie Haack of Charlotte; sons, Thomas Scott Haack of Charlotte and Todd Lawrence Haack of San Rafael, California; his brother, Robert Haack of West Bend, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Justin Smith (Charlene), Nicole Smith, Warren T. Kral, Geoffrey Kral, Heidi Haack and three nieces.
Mr. Haack will be greatly missed by the entire staff at Donald Haack Diamonds & Fine Gems, all of whom he considered family.
The Haacks express their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Geoffrey Rose of the Sanger Clinic, as well as to the excellent nurses in the intensive care unit at Dickson Heart Clinic for their superior care and kindnesses.
A celebration of Donald Haack's life will be held Thursday, March 5 at 2:00 p.m. at Carmel Baptist Church, 1145 Pineville Matthews Rd.
The family prefers memorials to be made to the Allegro Foundation and the Rotary Foundation.
The Haack Family is in the care of Gaskin Services, Matthews, www.gaskinservices.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Haack
Sharon Johnson Burt
May 29, 2009
To the Haack family,
Please accept my deepest sympathies as you mourn Don's passing. I was privileged to know Don through my previous position as Corporate Support Representative at WDAV-FM. Donald Haack Diamonds was a long-time supporter of the station. We were also both members in the Metrolina Business Council. Don was a great person, so friendly and personable.
My husband and I got our wedding rings from Don. One weekend soon after we got engaged and began looking at rings, I told my fiance we should go to Donald Haack Diamonds and just see what they have. I had an idea of what I wanted, and Don just happened to have "my" ring and of course it fit like a charm! Don showed Barry some rings too, but he kept looking at mine and asked Don if he had anything similar. Don suggested that we have a matching ring made, and he took care of everything! Now every time I look at our rings, I'll think of Don and the great story of how we came to have them.
Ken Christiansen
May 22, 2009
Jan;
I've taken the liberty of nominating my friend and fellow classmate Don as this year's outstanding alumnus of Rufus King HS.
I was glad to see him and you at our 50th reunion (1998); he was still the same unassuming gentleman I remembered. I was stunned to find what an adventurer he was when I read his book!
I hope your pain has eased somewhat; you and Don have left a proud legacy to your children.
From Rufus King Grad
May 1, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Rufus King HS 1948 Milwaukee, Wis.
April 14, 2009
March 7, 2009
Dear Jan,
We are very saddened by Don's death. He was exemplary in his service to others, such as his devotion to the success of the Charlotte World Trade Association. His guidance and counsel was always selflessly provided with the greater good of all in mind. We will miss him.
With kind regards to you and your family, we remain,
Dine and Herb Klein
Jon Helminiak
March 7, 2009
Jan -
Don's adventurous spirit will always be an inspriation to me. My first true travel adventure in life was shared with Don, you and your family in Grenada decades ago. And I will always remember how close we were to flying back to Guyana this month! My prayers and good energies are with you. I admire you both greatly.
March 6, 2009
Dear Jan and Family:
Jeanette and I wish to offer our sympathy to you and your family with the death of Don. He was a fine person. Both of you always treated us kindly and welcomed us on our visits from Ohio. At this time, may the support of friends, the recalling of good memories and a faith sustain you is our prayer.
Mike and Jeanette
Tracy Bowers Mom and Dad
March 6, 2009
I wish the family to know that Mr. Haack was my hero. After reading his first book, I could not believe that one man could do so many things – so well. Just before Christmas, I went to the store and met with him personally to buy all the other books for myself and for gifts to my family and friends. We had a delightful visit and I am so grateful that I had this chance to know him. I am distressed to lose him as a friend. His wife must be a wonderful woman and I send sympathy to her.
Barbara Cooper
Helen Ruth & Michael Almond
March 6, 2009
Dear Jan,
Michael and I were so very sorry to learn of Don's death. Please know that we share in your sorrow and will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Connie Haake
March 5, 2009
Dear Haack Family,
I am very sorry for your loss. I never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Haack but was lucky enough to receive my gorgeous wedding ring set from his outstanding store. My husband was new to the area when he started looking for my ring and Donald Haack Diamonds caught his eye because of the similarity to his last name (Haake). What a great stroke of luck! There is no doubt that we have found our jeweler, one where a hand shake still means something. I feel confident in this opinion because of Mr. Haack's vast knowledge and integrity, and the service we have received. I wish you peace during this time and always.
Connie and Andy Haake
Annamarie Joseph
March 5, 2009
Dear Julie:
I was deeply saddened by the news of your loss. I had the pleasure of meeting your father years ago when he insisted I take home a diamond ring for the weekend and "try it out".
Camille Primm
March 5, 2009
Dearest Jan and Family,
I am at a loss for words to express my sorrow at Don's passing. Don was a man who made an indelible inpression on anyone he came into contact with. We are all kinder, wiser, and a bit more adventurous for having known Don. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Camille
Edna & Bill Murray
March 4, 2009
Julie, I'm sorry to heart of your Father's
death. May God bless and comfort you and your family. Just celebrate the wonderful memories you have of your Dad
Nancy Woodley
March 4, 2009
Thomas, I am sorry to hear about your father. I pray that God will grant you the strengh and courage to do his will.
God Bless you Thomas.
Providence Transportation
March 4, 2009
Haack Family:
We were sorry to hear of your loss. When Thomas shared with us the loss of his father, lots of pain and heartache came through our office.Our prayers are that God will forever shine upon your family and be a blessing in such a needed time.
Providence Transportation
Robbie, Dana & Kennedy Fowler
March 4, 2009
We are so saddened by the loss of Don. It has been such a pleasure getting to know him and your family over the past five years. We hope that your wonderful memories will help comfort you now and thru the years. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sue Williford
March 4, 2009
I met Mr. Haack while working with the
Queenscup Steeplechase and he was such a
pleasure to know. I'm very sorry for your
loss.
Dana McIntosh
March 3, 2009
Dear Julie:
I was so very sorry to learn from Allegro Foundation today that your precious father had gone to be with the Lord. It grieves me to know that you, your Mom, your children and the rest of your family are suffering from this incredible loss. Please know that my fervent prayers are with you all. I pray that our gracious God and merciful Savior will provide you with the comfort you will so greatly need. I feel so blessed to have had the privilege of meeting your Dad at the fundraiser. His warm smile and genuine love for people was evident in the way he made me feel so comfortable to be in his presence. I cannot imagine how much you will miss him, but I commit to keeping you and your family closely in my prayers. I am sure you have lots of support, but if you wish to talk, please know I would be more than glad to be there for you Julie.
Love,
Dana McIntosh
505-983-2519
[email protected]
Brenda Campbell
March 3, 2009
Dear Jan and Todd. I am so sorry for your loss of Donald. He was always so kind and gave so much to our community. I felt honored to know all of you. You are in my prayers. Brenda
Brant Hart
March 3, 2009
Julie,
My deepest sympathy goes out to you in the death of your father. I had the pleasure of meeting him a few years ago when Christine Pearson brought him to the 106.1 studios to record a Christmas greeting. I still think about him everytime I drive on Asbury Chapel Road enroute to my mother in law's house.
Thank you for your support of our radio station over the last decade. The radio commercials you and your father produced were always top notch!
Brant Hart
GHB Broadcasting
Charlotte
Randy Yeager
March 3, 2009
Julie & Family,
We were so saddened to hear of Don's passing. He was truly a gentelman and a pleasure to work with over the years. We will really miss seeing and working with Don at the Vegas show. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Randy,Shelly & Ryan Yeager
Ann Fletcher
March 3, 2009
Dear Janet and family,
I was privileged to meet with Donald as a fellow writer, working on a feature about his extraordinary life. He was a rare and unforgettable man. The article will run as a tribute to your tremendous life together. He will be greatly missed in our community. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Lyn Falk (daughter of Ray and Marilyn Helminiak)
March 3, 2009
I first met Mr. Haack when I was a very young girl via a family trip to Grenada in the early '60s. Last year I was reintroduced to him through his three books, at which time he became an instant hero in my eyes. I am fortunate to have met him (this time as an adult) last summer at a book signing where I was able to hear about some of his amazing adventures first hand. Mr. Haack was truly a one-of-a-kind, awe-inspiring, spritually connected, gentleman. I believe God simply needed him to continue his work from Heaven.
With sympathy, and many Blessings to you, Jan, and your children.
Madeleine Minors
March 3, 2009
I am so saddened to hear of Don's passing. I had the pleasure of working with Don & Jan during those fabulous years on the Rum Runner in Grenada!! What a lovely family!! Jan you have such wonderful memories of your lives together, let them be of great ease to your pain. Much love - Madeleine
John Wermuth
March 3, 2009
Jan, what a loss.. for all of us.
I've emailed our kids so the family has this news. We still treasure the memories with you both, and your family as well. And Grenada lives in the treasure house of our minds!
March 3, 2009
Just want you to know we are thinking of you in this time of sorrow.
Esther & Larry Gregg
Howard Ross
March 3, 2009
To the Haack family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Don was always the gentleman and did much to make Charlotte a better place.
Barney Megargee
March 3, 2009
Mrs. Haack & Julie,
I was saddened on Sunday to learn of Donald's passing. I did not have the pleasure of meeting Mr. Haack, but daughter Julie's stories intrigued me and he obviously passed along many of his attributes. I attend church with Julie, and have seen her caring heart and concern for others in her life and how she lives it. I know that Donald must be proud of her, and he will be sadly missed by the community in Charlotte. God Bless, and you will all be in my prayers.
Scott Teel
March 3, 2009
Though I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Haack, having met, worked with, and befriended his daughter, Julie, I can say with strong conviction that his ethics, friendliness, and compassion for life were without a doubt passed directly to his family members. I have great respect for the Haack family and their business, as well as their place in the Charlotte Community as leaders and examples for the rest of us to follow in our family and business lives. My most sincere condolences to Mr. Haack's family, friends and employees. May he rest in peace. God Bless.
Anna Midgett
March 3, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. I find my own grief overwhelming thinking of Don. I was so privileged to have been an employee of Donald Haack Diamonds. There will only be ONE Donald Haack. I was privileged to know him and say his was my friend.
Randy and Selah Poindexter
March 3, 2009
We are saddened to hear about Donald's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time of grief.
March 3, 2009
The entire Thomas family sends our deepest sympathy. We always loved talking with Donald about some of his ventures. He lived a lovely life and we hope those memories will help you now. The Grady Thomas Family
Ila Jane Jelenick
March 3, 2009
Mrs. Haack and Julie,
I am so terribly sad to hear this news. What a remarkable man and father you were blessed with. Please know that my heart is heavy and my thoughts and prayers are with you. The city of Charlotte and the world has lost a true gentleman.
Edy Brotherton
March 3, 2009
To: Family, friends and employees, My heart,prayers and concern are with you now and later. Mr. Haack was a leader in the diamond and jewelry business and a mentor to many.
Doyle & Nancy Allred
March 2, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Bill and Julie Transou
March 2, 2009
We were very sorry to hear of Donald Haack's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the family during this time.
Joseph Cornell
March 2, 2009
We are saddened to learn of Mr. Haack's death. We think of him often as I bought my wife's beautiful and unique diamond ring from Mr. Haack.
Elizabeth Craig
March 2, 2009
Jan, I'm so sorry to hear about Don. He truly was a remarkable man. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers...Elizabeth
BILL STEGELMEYER
March 2, 2009
I KNEW "DON" PROFFESSIONALY FOR THE PAST 15 YEARS. HIS "CLASS" IMAGE WILL BE MISSED BY THE LOCAL DIAMOND BUSINESS INDUSTRY. I RESPECTED HIM AS A FRIENDLY COMPETITOR.
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