Obituary: Maurice "Ray" Rhinard Haase, Former Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce President

Maurice "Ray" Rhinard Haase, known as "Poppy" and "Pi" to his grandchildren, was born on October 3, 1938 to Leah (Wilson) and Rhinard Haase. He died on November 9, 2012. Ray is survived by his wife of 48 years, Katherine (O'Meara) Haase; his three children, David Haase, Lynn (Robert) Sides, Erin (Robert) Budington; seven grandchildren, Adelaide, Logan, Daniel, Dylan, Joseph, Carly and Charlotte; and his brother, Ronald Haase. Ray graduated from Greshem High School in Portland, Oregon in 1958, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of his school newspaper. He received a scholarship to the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University and graduated in 1961.

After Northwestern, Ray began a career in insurance at Old Equity Insurance Company of Evanston, Illinois where he ultimately led its direct marketing operation. In 1980 he joined Chicago based Benefit Trust Life Insurance Company, now Trustmark of Lake Forest, Illinois. At Trustmark, Ray held leadership positions in communications, marketing and sales. He retired in 2003 as President and CEO of Starmark, Inc., a Trustmark subsidiary. Ray was a member of the Trustmark Management Committee, chaired the Trustmark Foundation and, most importantly, was a mentor and friend to many at the company.

Throughout the years, he contributed to a number of civic organizations in Chicago and Lake County, including serving as President of the Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce and on the board of the United Way of the North Shore. Ray lovingly coached youth basketball for over 35 years through the Wilmette Park District. He was a golfer, a life-long sports enthusiast and an avid reader. He enjoyed traveling the country with his wife and friends and was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. All who knew and loved him will miss Ray.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 am Thursday, November 15th, until the time of service, 11:00 am at the Wm. H. Scott Funeral Home, 1100 Greenleaf Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. Entombment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ray's name to Northwestern University, 1201 Davis Street, Evanston, IL 60208, to the attention of Jenna White, Director of Development, MEDILL. For information, 847-251-8200

Editor's Note: This obituary is courtesy of Wm. H. Scott Funeral Home.