William Donald Haas

Birth date: May 18, 1948 Death date: Oct 3, 2009

William was born on May 18, 1948 and passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2009. William was a resident of Dallas, Texas. Read Obituary

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Bob Harper

428w ago

Bill was a great friend and mentor to me during the last 25 years in Toastmasters. Bill courageously battled cancer for the last few years and was an inspiration to all. He always dreamed of standing on the stage at the Toastmasters International Convention to compete in the World Championship of Public Speaking. While he never realized that goal on Earth, he is now on a Heavenly stage we cannot even imagine. The greatest tribute toastmasters could make to Bill's memory would be to continue to promote the Toastmasters organization, building on the years of work Bill invested.

Bill Drissel

428w ago

I visited Bill in the hospital about two weeks before he died. Somehow, I didn't get around to thanking him for an important idea he left with me many years ago. Perhaps I can repair that omission by sharing the idea with those who read this. About every other year, Bill would give a speech describing a difficult time in his life and how he prevailed. Within the space of a few months, his marriage dissolved, his mother died and he became a District Governor of Toastmasters International – all the while working full-time in a demanding job. He described how he rigidly compartmented his life … while performing in one compartment, he resolutely refused to even entertain thoughts about other aspects of his life. Since then I have applied this principle especially when driving. When I'm in my driving compartment, I'm never rushed, never worried about what I'll do on arrival. When I arrive, I'm out of the driving compartment, ready for new environment. I'm sure this has made me a safer, calmer driver. I've been blessed to know Bill and my life will be poorer without him. Bill Drissel

Diana Patton

428w ago

I've been in Toastmasters since 2003. Bill was the Conference Chair for the first conference I attended. I have fond memories of that event and the effort that Bill and everyone put into it. Bill was always friendly and ready to offer positive suggestions. He will definitely be missed by the leadership of District 25. Diana Patton

Helen Liu

428w ago

When I visited Bill several days before he passed away in the hospital, even though he had problem breathing, he asked me to sit down. At a time like that, he's still thinking of other people. I have seen his fight against his disease, and his courage inspired many people around him. He was the true spirit of Toastmasters. He will be missed.

Herb Fisher

840w ago

Bill was my FRIEND!!! He worked for me but he was NOT just an employee.I Knew Bill for fifteen years. I had nothing to worry about as Bill made decision at night to direct our airplanes to their respective destinations, serve our customers,and even when there was BIG trouble. Deans Coston is also in this loop, her loyalties to Bill surpasses mine. We both tried to take care of him in his wanning weeks,to the best of our abilities. Farewell Bill, you had an impact on both of us forever. Herb Fisher

David Hostler

840w ago

Bill was always there to help the newest Toastmaster or the District officer. Bill will be sorely missed.

Robert Sparks

840w ago

Bill was 100% dedicated to being the best Toastmaster he could be. He was highly successful in achieving that goal.

Pauline Shirley

840w ago

Bill was a dedicated and determined Toastmaster! He believed strongly in the organization and valued all he gave to it and gained from it. He left a legacy in his personal commitment to Toastmasters that he kept to the end. Those of us who have known him for 25 years observed the best of Bill as he built a legacy that many can learn from. His attitude remained strong, positive and upbeat. Toastmasters was his family and his commitment to that family became a driving force in his life. He would best be honored by a contribution in his memory to Toastmasters Ralph Smedley Fund. We will miss you Bill!

John Fooks

840w ago

We have lost so many inspiring Toastmasters these past few years, including Bob Lanz and Jo Anna McWilliams, mentors of mine to whom I owe great debt. Now add Bill Haas, another mentor from those wonderful "Camelot" years in District 25. I will remember him always.

G.C. Brown

840w ago

I met Bill over 25 years ago when I was District 25 Governor. Bill challenged us to achieve our very best as a Toastmaster and as a Toastmaster Club. Not only would he challenge us…he would set the example. He supported and encouraged me when I ran for Internation Director and later as a candidate for Third Vice President. I will always be thankful for having the opportunity to know and be a Toastmaster with my friend Bill Haas.

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