Karl M. De Haven

April 3, 1936 - February 5, 2021 Karl Michael De Haven, loving husband to Mary and devoted father to John (JP) and Shawn, passed away in his sleep on February 5th, 2021 in Arcadia, California two months shy of his 85th birthday. Born in the small gold rush town of Skagway, Alaska in 1936, Karl (called "Mike" by his family because his grandfather was also named Karl) and his family eventually moved to Anchorage where his father worked for Alaska Railroad. Working at a fish cannery to put himself through school, Karl graduated from University of Western Kentucky and began his career in education (he later received an MA from USC). While teaching at Ursa Major Elementary School in Anchorage, he met his future wife Mary Hennessy. After marrying, they made their way down the Great Alaska Highway, eventually settling permanently in Arcadia. Karl taught science and math at Madison and Wilson Middle School in Pasadena for decades before retiring. No matter where he went, he always ran into former students who affectionately called him "Mr. D." Karl was also heavily involved in the MESA Program at Cal State LA, helping countless educationally disadvantaged students make their way through high school and on to college. Always with a smile on his face, Karl was a warm and friendly person, unafraid to strike up a conversation with strangers to the point of embarrassing his kids. Karl worked hard to create many memories with his two sons by helping out with Little League, taking them to see the Dodgers, Kings, and the '84 Olympics. In his later years, Karl loved it when his grandsons would visit from Japan (where Shawn lives). Unfortunately, due to the corona pandemic he was robbed of a chance to meet his granddaughter Willow in person but he loved to show off pictures of her to anyone he could. Karl is survived by Mary, his wife of 54 years, his two sons (John and Shawn), his older sister Joyce Lange, younger brother Pat De Haven, three grandchildren (Yuzuru Alistair, Fumito Sebastian, and Sumire Willow), and other loving relatives. He and his smile will be missed dearly by all who knew him.