Arnold Haas

Arnold Haas

Camarillo - Longtime Camarillo resident, Arnold Haas, known to many as Arnie, passed away on August 30th. He was 91 years old.

Arnold was born in South Dakota, the youngest of six children, but grew up in Oregon after his family left their hardscrabble, Depression-era farming existence for greener pastures out West. Following high school he worked briefly before enlisting in the US Army. His 20-year military career took him around the world and sparked his life-long interest in travel; it was also the reason for his meeting (while stationed in post-war Germany) his future wife, Elsa. They would eventually nurture a loving marriage of 62 years before her death in 2017.

After retiring from the Army, he led the family on one more move, relocating across the country to Camarillo, where he lived for more than 50 years. He also began his second career with the US Postal Service, from which he retired after 24 years.

During retirement he and Elsa traveled throughout the US and Europe; regular trips to visit her family were always a highlight. While at home, he enjoyed tending to his yard and fruit trees, sitting down with a crossword puzzle, and playing Canasta for hours on end with their close friends. He remained a proud veteran, always displaying the flag on holidays, and occasionally donning his old uniform to check its fit - "just in case they call this old soldier back for duty" he would joke. His dry wit humor characterized him as did his kindness and quiet charm.

Alas, he didn't get to see his beloved Dodgers win their recent World Series title. Even so, we imagine he's happy to be reunited with Elsa. We picture them in their favorite little Austrian village nestled below the Tyrolean Alps; he is relishing her company, the idyllic setting, and his customary schnitzel and pilsner.

He is survived by his two sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and his in-laws in Germany. We all miss him.