William Henry Haas

William (Bill) Henry HAAS Seattle Architect, William (Bill) Haas passed away on July 14th after enduring a ten year struggle with cancer. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Bill was raised in Philadelphia and New York. He attended Middlebury College in Vermont where he graduated with a degree in Art History. Upon graduation he moved to Boothbay Harbor, Maine where he played percussion for musical theater. He then moved to Boston to pursue percussion studies in jazz. He later moved to Seattle to attend the University of Washington where he received his Masters degree in Architecture. He worked for two firms prior to establishing his own firm in 1996. His award winning work was characterized by his unrelenting pursuit of meticulous and precise detail, creating timeless designs. His ability to combine modern or traditional styles with Japanese sensibilities and aesthetics was remarkable. In addition to his passion for his work, Bill enjoyed time with family, spending summers in Maine, gardening, drawing and music. Bill played percussion in the North Seattle Symphonic Band for several years prior to his cancer diagnosis. Bill is survived by his wife, Christine McKowen Haas; their three children, Lewis (18), Jane (16) and Sydney (13); parents, Warren James (Jim) and Peggy Haas; siblings Anne Bruington Haas and Warren James Haas Jr., (Jay) (Regina Paul); as well as a large extended family including eight in-laws, and eighteen nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, August 19, 2011 at 1:00 pm at University Presbyterian Church, 4540 15th Avenue NE; Seattle, WA 98105. In lieu of flowers and gifts, donations may be made on behalf of the Christine Haas Children's Education fund at any Chase bank.