Bert Lacy Haskins

1933 - 2022

Bert Lacy Haskins
September 10, 1933 - May 28, 2022
Merced, California - Lt. Colonel (Retired United States Air Force) Bert L Haskins, passed away at his home on May 28, 2022 surrounded by his family before reuniting with the love of his life, Mary Rose.
Born in Danbury, Connecticut, to Finis Hunt Haskins and Mary Elizabeth Haskins. Bert grew up in Terrace Park, Cincinnati. As a young man, Bert loved spending time at his grandparents' ranch, Dapplemere Farm in Pauling, New York. He was fortunate to attend Mount Herman High School in Massachusetts. After High School, Bert was accepted into Ohio State. After completing two years at Ohio State, Bert joined the Air Force in 1953 and completed his Bachelors Degree.
Bert traveled all over the world. It was while being stationed at Loring AFB, Maine in 1958 that he met the love of his life, 1 Lt. Mary Rose Keith. They were married Valentine's Day in 1959.
The couple was then stationed at Castle Air Force Base where Bert continued his service with the 93rd Refueling Squadron and Mary left the service and continued as an RN locally. Bert was among the first crew of instructors at Castle Air Force Base.
In 1965, Bert and Mary were blessed with twins. Andrew and Sandra. In 1969, Bert and his young family were transferred to Okinawa, Japan. As a Master Navigator, Bert had the privilege of working with the crews of the SR71. A position he greatly cherished.
After retirement in 1973, Bert stayed very active. He was either attending events with his children, coaching their baseball, softball and basketball teams at McSwain. He attended sporting events for both children at Atwater High School.
Bert always had an eye for opportunities, from a Charolais Cattle Rancher, custom Hay Service owner and golf store owner. He enjoyed his time as a high school sports official for many years. He went on to become the Commissioner of this division. A position he took very seriously and held for over 25 years.
Bert was an avid fisherman. He and Mary spent much of their free time fly fishing and ice fishing throughout Maine and Canada.
As a grandfather of three, he enjoyed watching over them. One of his favorite activities was driving them around laughing and listening to Jerry Clower and Roy D. Mercer.
He was a member of Kiwanas and volunteered at Kiddyland at Applegate Park. He was also a member of the Merced Yacht Club and in 1965, alongside Norm Partridge, he won the State Sailing Honors.
Bert is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Rose who passed away in 2009 a few months after they celebrated their 50th anniversary); his parents, Finis and Mary Elizabeth Haskins and his grandparents, Bert Lacy and Allison "Annie" Haskins.
Bert is survived by his children, Andrew Haskins (Maria) and their son Adam of Merced, and Sandra Hayes (Aaron) and their daughter Kaylie and son Carson of Atwater. His sister Joan Sexton (Peter, deceased) of Baldwin City, Kansas, along with their children, Jennifer, Pete Jr. and Libby.
A graveside service will be held Friday, June 24, 2022 at 9:00 am at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella, Ca.