BRADLEY HAAS

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BRADLEY HAAS January 25 1955 - April 30 2016 Born in Gimli and raised in Camp Morton, Manitoba, Brad was the eldest of six children. As a young adult he spent time in British Columbia, returning to Manitoba in the mid-1970s to settle in Winnipeg and study Electronic Technology at Red River Community College. After graduation, he spent the majority of his career as a manager for Unisys, later changing gears and answering to the only person he really ever took direction from: himself. Self-employed, Brad ran a successful electronic component business for many years. He was an unforgettable character who bore little ambiguity. Brad was unapologetically Brad: smart, fiery, self-assured, dryly funny and the very definition of pragmatic. As a rule, he wasn't soft or affectionate, but he was a man with a vast heart. Not far beneath the surface of this sometimes irascible person was a kind and sensitive spirit. More than anything, Brad could truly be defined by his love of family. For long phone conversations and family gatherings, Brad's participation could be counted on. Missing a family dinner was unthinkable: the food, the talking, the teasing, the laughter; these were surely his favourite times. Brad was a formidable debater/orator on any topic, but with an encyclopedic knowledge of sports, particularly those of a certain vintage, friends and family alike were frequently enlightened with stories, stats, standings and everything else you didn't ask, but were told anyway. Had Brad become the sports writer he likely should have been, Roger Maris would never have been denied his rightful place in the Baseball Hall of Fame (an outrage we are confident Brad took to the afterlife). Predeceased by his parents, Gladys and Rudolph, Brad is lovingly remembered by his daughters, Kendell and Kelsey and grandchildren, Lux, Caleb and Mya. Dedicated to his brood, he was very proud of their intelligence, humour and kind hearts and enjoyed nothing more than gathering them together for Sunday dinners. Brad is also survived by his siblings, Blair (Bev), Michele (Barry), Colleen (Gary), Sheila (Pierre) and Laurel; many nieces, nephews and friends. In his final year, Brad was able to spend meaningful time with loved ones and said he was grateful for the opportunity to know them in a way he never really had before. They are grateful, too. An intimate memorial celebrating Brad's life will be arranged this summer for those he held dear. We will cry and laugh and toast this uniquely endearing guy who touched our lives and left us far too soon. Friends and relatives are invited to share memories or stories about Brad or condolences for the family by visiting www.integritydeathcare.com In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to KidSport Manitoba in Brad's honour. He would have been delighted that the next Bobby Orr might be borne of your generosity. Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation. - Rumi INTEGRITY Cremation & Funeral Planning 204-295-5408 www.integritydeathcare.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 07, 2016