Obituary: Thomas Haas

Thomas Haas

Danville, Penn.

Dr. Thomas (Tom) David Haas passed away unexpectedly from a short battle with cancer on September 12, 2021, at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Penn., surrounded by family and close friends.

Tom was born to Ernie and Darlene (Dodds) Haas on August 29, 1969, in Carrington, N.D. He grew up on a dairy farm near Warwick, N.D., and graduated from New Rockford High School in 1987. During high school, Tom worked numerous jobs, including a season of custom combining and working at Erling Rolfson's stables tending racehorses. He enlisted in the Air Force after graduating high school and completed his basic training in Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. He was stationed in Germany, Cheyenne, Wyo., and proudly served a tour during Desert Storm. Tom was honorably discharged from the Active-Duty Air Force to pursue his college career. Tom continued his military service in the N.D. Air National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1993, and further continued his service in the Air Force Reserve and was again, honorably discharged in 1995.

Tom attended Bismarck State College and received his Associates of Arts degree in 1993, followed by a bachelor's degree from NDSU, and persevered to earn his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DMV) from Iowa State University in 2000. After achieving his DMV, Tom practiced veterinary medicine in Chicago and then ventured on to Augusta, Ga. Tom worked hard his entire life to become the successful person he became; he is truly an inspiration to all who knew him.

On December 11, 2001, Tom became a proud father to his son, Seth. Tom was a devoted father to Seth and therefore, relocated to Pennsylvania in 2006, to be close to his son, and started working at the Animal Emergency Center, which he eventually purchased in 2007. This was a huge accomplishment for Tom, one in which his family and friends were very proud of him for. He received several awards throughout his veterinary career, including the PVMA Public service award of merit for his generous service and passionate dedication to helping countless animal rescues and clients, as well as the very distinguished AAHA accredited-standard of Veterinary excellence award. He was also a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society, and the American Animal Hospital Association.

After years of hard work and good business decisions, Tom had built such a successful career that he was able to retire in June 2021 at the young age of 51. Tom's only concern was "what am I going to do next?" He was known for his love of life and also for his sense of humor, often playing "pranks" on family members as well as staff. Tom was also known for his mentorship of his peers, his work ethic, and also for being a "self-taught" guitar player. Tom loved many genres of music that matched his diversified personality. He also had many hobbies, including riding motorcycles, ATV's, and horses. He was a true "kid" at heart, and was quick witted with a funny joke.

Tom is survived by his son Seth Thomas Haas; sisters Lori Haas-Wahlstrom, Shawn Haas-Munson, Kristin Lewis-Seibel; brothers Timothy Lewis, Billy Lewis, Jason Lewis, and many other relatives.

Dr. Thomas David Haas was preceded in death by his grandparents, Earnest E. Haas, Martha Schroeder-Haas, David L. Dodds, Goldie Landon-Dodds, and his parents Ernest D. Haas and Darlene Lewis-Dodds. Thomas was also preceded in death by his loving step-father Ervin W. Lewis, and a step-grandmother Gertrude Lewis-Dodds, Uncle Lyle Dodds and Aunt June Dodds-Koch.

Celebration of life services are being planned for a later date.