Arthur Haavik Obituary

Arthur O. Haavik

Arthur Onsgard Haavik was born October 1st, 1916 in Spokane, Washington, the oldest son of Norwegian immigrants and a Lutheran pastor. He was a man of few words, but his actions left a lasting impression upon his family and his community. His life was marked by his faith in God, involvement in his community, and unconditional service to his church, family and friends.

Art's career as a teacher at James Monroe Junior High School and then as a vice-principal at Ballard High School allowed him to mentor thousands of students in the Ballard community for over 40 years. Everywhere he went he was greeted with smiles and shouts of "Hello Mr. Haavik." Art met his beloved wife Beatrice when she was a nurse and he dropped a secret note in her sweater pocket. They were married for 70 years and together raised 3 daughters and enjoyed 4 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

As a mathematician, Art could always be seen handing out his clever tricks to all ages, creating smiles and introductions wherever he went, earning him the honorary title of "Grandpa Wizard." Art was a skilled woodworker and gardener and he enjoyed giving his wooden creations, fruits and vegetables to all he knew. He was a fixture at Husky games and his grandchildren's events.

Art is survived by his wife Beatrice; daughters Janice Kilbreath (Terry), Joyce Hartvigson, Karen Jones (Steve); his grandchildren Brett Hartvigson (Jocelyn), Koe Pahlka (Derek), Koll Hartvigson (Christina), Kasey Downing (Chris); and 17 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother Obert Haavik, sister Carol Tommervik, and son-in-law Skip Hartvigson.

Memorial service will be held at Ballard First Lutheran Church on Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers/gifts, remembrances can be sent to Ballard First Lutheran Church, 2006 NW 65th St, Seattle, WA 98117 or, to Ballard High School Foundation "The Art Haavik Athletic Scholarship Fund" P.O. Box 17626, Seattle, WA 98127. Special thanks to Cristwood Retirement Community and St. Anthony's Family Home.

Published by The Seattle Times on Nov. 18, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
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Mr Haavik, you were a great man and mentor to many!I remember you from James Monroe,Ballard high School & also Ballard First Lutheran. My condolonces go out to your family!

Cindy Briest

November 24, 2012

Art and his family exemplify all best qualities in family and friends. It was an honor to have known him and his family since I was a youngster. I have many fond memories of growing up with Janice and Joyce and of attending Husky games with Art. At James Monroe he was an incredible teacher for me. He could do math and algebra like no one else. It was amazing to me that he could sit across a desk from me and write on my math paper so that it was right side up to me and could do it faster than I could from my side. He made things fun and enjoyable all the time. His mild manner created a most pleasant and fun atmosphere for all. I still enjoy many tricks, puzzles and jokes that I learned from him. Knowing Art and having him as a friend, teacher and mentor, I consider to be one of the most fortunate things in my life. My sympathy to Bea and all the family.

Tom Green

November 23, 2012

My heart is with you all and I wish I could be there for the service. He and Bea always felt like grandparents to me even though Art is my grandpas brother. He will be missed! Love, Erin Haavik Horne.

Erin Horne

November 23, 2012

You were a special teacher Mr. H

Jack Lawsom

November 21, 2012

Arthur was the best friend you could have and a quick wit and humor could brighten your day. He will be missed here on earth, and accepting Jesus as my personal Savior many years ago. I look forward to seeing him again praising God for all Eternity! I know he would like all the people he knew to have Jesus as their Savior too!
I last saw Arthur several years ago at his brother's memorial.
Again, Arthur was truly a blessing to know and was a great help at James Monroe Jr. High and Ballard High School.

Patricia A. Kylmala

November 21, 2012

I cannot express enough the impact he had on me at Ballard. His wit and wisdom was something I always looked forward to hearing and his ideals still have an impact on me to this day.
Thanks Art.

Kim Stewart

November 21, 2012

Mr. Haavik was the gym teacher at James Monroe when we first enrolled at the school in the fall of 1946. He taught us to take a shower every day instead of our usual Friday night bath. The last time I spoke with him was over at Ballard High just before the total remodel. Of course he did not remember me, but legions of us recall him fondly when they think back on those happy days in old Ballard.

His father briefly appears in the movie, "The Slender Thread," featuring Sidney Poitier and Anne Bancroft. Because of that, plus all the background shots of the Seattle Center and Ballard Locks, it is a treasured film in my home collection.

Hat's off to you Coach Haavik, and may you rest in peace!

Barney Scott

November 21, 2012

He was a great friend of kids. God be with you Art. Jim Cantrell Class of 48.

November 20, 2012

Out deepest sympathy to Bea, Janice, Joyce, Karen and families. What a gracious, wonderful human being. Always such a familiar face during out high school years at Ballard High School and at church. However, what an incredible journey through life - 96 years. How blessed is his family!!! Our deepest sympathy, Steve and Carol Wilson

November 18, 2012

I will always remember Mr. Haavik walking the halls of Ballard High School. He was a great man and will be sorely missed. He had the most amazing ability to remember the names of students decades after they had passed through the doors of BHS, and I think had a genuine affection for all of them. I'll bet he's in heaven right now, playing golf with Art Pladsen. My deepest condonolences to the family.

Julie Pheasant-Albright

November 18, 2012

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