Philip W. Haag

Philip W. Haag May 25, 1923 - April 18, 2008, 84 yrs. 2008 Resident of Martinez Beloved husband of 53 years to Dorothy M. Haag, and loving father to Michael J. Haag and Debra A Staab. A 67 year resident and business man of Martinez, Phil passed away on April 18th after a short illness involving a very intensive and paralyzing stroke. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Dorothy who passed from this life in 2004. Phil was born in Bakersfield, CA, lived on a ranch near Shafter, CA and attended High School at Shafter High School. After graduation from high school, Phil moved to the Martinez area in 1941, living with his parents, and went to work in the shipyards in Richmond, helping to build the famous Liberty Ships of WWII. After less than a year at the shipyards, he was drafted into the US Army to be a Pharmacist Mate/Medic on board the Crash Boats in the Aleutian Islands, where he helped to defend the US shores during WWII. Phil later joined the ROTC in college, and was finally discharged from the US Air Force as a First Lieutenant. Upon returning to the Bay Area, Phil enrolled at the University of the Pacific in Stockton to study for his Bachelor of Science Degree. He continued his studies at the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of California, San Francisco for his degree in Pharmacy. He took his State Boards for California and scored 6th highest out of all applicants to that date on the Board Exams. He also took the Nevada State Board Exams for Licensure, and scored 3rd highest on their exams. Phil then moved from San Francisco to Martinez and started practicing pharmacy at the the original Contra Costa Drug, located at Main & Ferry Streets in Martinez. Shortly thereafter, Phil went into partnership and bought the Contra Costa Drug. He operated that Pharmacy until 1957 when he opened the new Contra Costa Drug on Alhambra Avenue across from the town favorites, U-Save Market and Alex Burgers. Phil's store was the newest and most modern store in Martinez. Everyone knew Phil for his kind and accomodating nature for all his pharmacy patrons, friends, and family. He always loved the children coming in with their moms to say hello, and spent literally hours talking with the "older ladies" about their medical needs. To quote Phil, "Everyone has a product, but it is the customer service that makes the difference"! To summarize Phil's accomplishments and involvements is somewhat difficult. The following are some of the highlights of his life, as he was a participant in so many aspects of community life, and the business picture. He was a Registered Pharmacist for 57 years, and an co-owner/operator of Contra Costa Drug and the larger drug chain, Valco Drugs. Valco had stores throughout the Contra Costa County area, and Phil practiced Pharmacy in most all of them. Phil also was chosen in 1987 to represent the United States of America as a Pharmacy Consultant to China, and continued his involvement making presentations about China throughout the county. Phil was a longtime member and 3-term President of the Exhange Club, which sponsored many Martinez events, including the AFS Student Program at Alhambra High School, the Boy Scout Troop 182 and Camp Wolfeboro, the Easter Egg Hunt, the Bike Rodeo, and the 4th of July Pancake Breakfast, all of which Phil dearly loved and helped plan. He faithfully attended the Wednesday Exchange Club luncheon meetings, and was continually fined for his corny jokes! Phil loved to make people laugh. Phil was also a 57 year member of the First Congregational Church and served on the Diaconate for the parish. He also served as a Vice President on the Martinez Chamber Of Commerce, where he worked very hard to promote business and shopping for all the residents and visitors to our town. But one of the most "dear to his heart" activities was being a Barbershop Chorus & Quartet Singer for 44 years. Phil's love of this wonderful activity served not only the community, but also the convalescent homes and nursing facilities throughout the East Bay. His quartet would visit and sing for all the patients in these facilities to try and "brighten their day" as he put it. He helped organize the Valentine's Day singouts and was in "The Incredibles" quartet most recently. He loved his Barbershop as much as his Pharmacy! Phil also worked at the Martinez Historical Society on Fridays, entering obituaries of Martinez residents from the previous week's Martinez News Gazette and Contra Costa Times. He had taken many computer classes at the Martinez Adult School, and was very qualified at data entry. He also had a passion for graphic work and greeting card creation. His friends and family could always count on a heartfelt card from him. Phil is survived by his son, Michael J. Haag of Martinez, and daughter, Debra A. Staab, wife of Sanford Staab, of Woodinville, WA. Phil is also survived by his 2 grandchildren, Jonathan and Becky Staab. There will be a Memorial Service for Phil on Saturday, May 3, 2008, at 3:00 pm at the First Congregational Church, Court and Susanna Streets, Martinez. His inurnment will be with his wife, Dorothy, at Oakmont Memorial Park, Lafayette, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to UCSF School of Pharmacy Foundation, Box 45339, San Francisco, CA, 94145-0339, SPEBSQSA (Society For The Preservation & Encouragement Of Barbershop Quartet Singing In America), or the First Congregational Church, 1229 Court Street, Martinez, CA 94553.