Charles F. Haas

Haas, Charles F.
November 15, 1913 - May 12, 2011
Charles (Chuck) Haas passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, May 12 at the age of 97. He had suffered from lung disease but continued to live a full and independent life until the end.
Chuck was a remarkable and well rounded man. Blessed with great intellect and humanity, he loved literature and history, reading widely in several languages, and also enjoyed music, the arts, travel, carpentry and gardening. He was a true teacher who appreciated the richness of a full inner life which he happily shared with children and grandchildren.

Born in Chicago in 1913, Charles grew up in Winnetka, Illinois. After graduating from Harvard College in 1935, he came out to California to begin a career in the film industry. He enlisted in the army during World War II, where he made training films for the Air Corps and prepared weekly Staff Film Reports.
In 1946, he returned to California where he worked as a writer and producer and later as a director. Among many other shows, he worked on Lucky Strike Theater, the first sponsored film series made for TV, GE Theater, Big Town, The Mickey Mouse Club Show, Bonanza, Maverick, 77 Sunset Strip, Perry Mason and Twilight Zone. His feature films included the cult classics Moonrise and The Beat Generation, as well as Star in the Dust, Girls Town and The Big Operator.

He enjoyed his work, yet the center of his life was his family. In 1936, he married Emilie Dreyfus of Boston, the love of his life. They had four children and made their home in Studio City, California for most of the 68 years of their marriage until Emilie's death in 2005.
They were among the founders of Oakwood School in North Hollywood in the early 50's. Chuck remained active in the school: he served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees and continued as an active Board member, until shortly before his death. His leadership and wisdom were invaluable and contributed to the school's growth over the years.

He is survived by his four children, David, Anthony, Sylvia (Toya) and Michael and their respective spouses, Chintana, Anne, Steven and Rosalyn. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. His wisdom, generosity and kindness will be missed by all who knew him.

A date for a memorial service has not yet been set. For those wishing to honor his memory, a contribution to the Charles and Emilie Haas Endowment (providing scholarships) of the Oakwood School would be appreciated.