Robert Earl Haberer, 90, passed away on January 20, 2019. Bob was born in Buffalo, New York, on May 30, 1928, to Mildred and Earl Haberer. He met and married the love of his life, Phyllis Stafford, while attending college in Buffalo. He served in the United States Army and was a Staff Sergeant in the Korean War. A gifted artist, he taught art at Buffalo State University, and hosted a local children’s television show entitled “The Mr. Bob Show” for several years. The family moved to Phoenix in 1963, where Bob worked as an administrator in the Phoenix Union High School District. He missed the kids and the classroom, however, and subsequently taught art at Camelback High School, where he also became the golf coach and later coached golf at Phoenix College until his retirement. Phyllis and Bob had two children: Rod and Kathy. Sadly, Kathy passed away on March 2, 2012, and Phyllis on March 12, 2012. They are all together now, and no doubt Bob is regaling them with stories about his adventures these last seven years. Bob is survived by his son Rod (Ellen), Kathy’s husband Fred Tegarden, granddaughters Chelsea Haberer Raupers (Joe), Heather Haberer, and Christy Tegarden Davis (Chase), and four great grandchildren. Bob loved his family, his many friends, playing golf, the Buffalo Bills, creating amazing paintings and sculptures, playing the drums, Frank Sinatra, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, his many dogs, reading books on his Kindle, eating Bloomin’ Onions and fish and chips, going to the movies, Charlize Theron, Rene Russo, and sharing funny stories. He will be missed by everyone whose lives he touched: family, friends, neighbors, and countless students who all loved and will never forget Mr. Bob. Bob enjoyed a good party, and it was his final wish that a celebration of his life take place at his home, where his art work will be available for donations (or nothing at all) with all proceeds going to the American Cancer Society.
His party will be held at his home on Saturday, January 26, 2019, at noon.
Eddie Kilthau
Sad to hear of the passing of Coach Haberer. Great man and a kind, gentle soul. Prayers to the family. Some people on this earth just seem to do it the right way. That was Coach. God speed.
Dave L. Hansen
My condolences to the family. Mr. Haberer was one of my instructors at Camelback High. While it has been over 30 years now he is one the the two most important teachers in my time there. He and Mr Tenney were amazing instructors and gave more life guidance than I realized at the time. He was a true force in the community and will be missed.
Debra
Sorry to hear of your family’s loss. He sounds like a fabulous man and the comments are charming. From Stan Kenton to Charlize Theron — it reflects the love of a close and fun-loving family.
Chris Walker
Bob, I’m going to miss our chats on the golf course. Your memory to me is full of humor and warmth. Thanks for the memories, Bob. Keep em entertained up there.
Dino Barber
Mr Haberer…rip sir..thanks for being such a cool teacher..you will be missed!!!
Bill Kalfas
In the four years I attended Camelback, I don’t remember any teachers I actually disliked and had several that I liked a lot. But none of them could compare to Mr. Haberer. That’s probably because (being an artsy student) I took every class he offered! He taught us about perspective, shading, working larger, to use our imagination, to look at new and old works of art and study different artists, to use different media. (In my mind I can still see many of the projects he made us do, and I can envision the work of many of the other students…nearly forty years later.) And that was just the art. He taught us with humor. He wasn’t afraid to chew us out (we had some rowdy kids in there!). He was laid back and fair (he allowed the “freaks” to listen to their rock and the “hicks” to listen to their country, switching every other day). When I grew up and moved out of state, Mr. Haberer (I don’t think I ever called him Bob!) was a friend. Living a few blocks away from my Mom, I got to see him every couple years when I came to visit. Once was on his birthday and he was getting ready to go to “Outback” with his family…apparently a birthday tradition that he loved. His mind was always sharp and when we would talk on the phone (which never happened while the Bills were playing on Sundays, because he wouldn’t answer, as I found out the hard way!). He seemed to always wear a golf shirt, shorts and short socks (if any at all) and that ornery smile. He never really retired from being a teacher/mentor, and would keep me abreast of what the other former art students and golf students were doing. The first time I brought my kids over to see him, he and Phyllis gave them art pencil sets (pretty sure the oldest still has his). Even during difficult times (and he had some doozies!), he was always a mix of encouragement and harassment. He never seemed to change. I’ve always loved him and believe my artwork still has a little bit of Habes to it. Haberer family, thank you so much for sharing Mr. Haberer with me and many, many others! May God bless you this week as you commemorate and celebrate a great man!
Bill Wharton
My condolences to the family. The world is a much sadder place without Bob, his wit and his sense of humor. I was fortunate to know Bob as a fellow high school golf coach and as a great teacher and a friend. He always had a positive attitude and a smile on his face. You could always count on him to brighten any situation with his comments and his laugh. RIP Bob, you are missed by your many students, friends and family.
Jerry and Paula McMullen
Bob, you will be missed so much! Who will we eat beef on weck with? Or Parkside suckers?Who else had a hummingbird nest on their patio? And who collected any bit of aluminum he could find for his sculptures? You and Phyllis were such fun and kind people. We’ll miss you both so much and particularly on a Buffalo Bills game day! Loved you both…
Our condolences to the family-Bob will be missed always.
Mark Fallon
Rest In Peace Coach. You were a patient and caring soul. You enriched the lives of countless students and young golfers.
JANET AND DAN FINCH
DAN AND I EXPRESS OUR SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY. WE ARE LONG TIME FRIENDS, OUR
CHILDREN HAVE GROWN UP TOGETHER . WE WILL MISS BOB AS WE DO PHYLLIS.
Bill White
Habe was THE ONE teacher at Camelback HS that truly TRULY spoke to me. Impacted me. I was totally unaware if he was still alive or not, but the finality of this breaks my heart. So much respect for this man and his beautiful soul.
Allison Bates Caputo
Forever in my heart wth Kathy and Phyllis. What a wonderful loving man. Growing up, the Haberer home was an extension of my own. Rocky point in the camper, San Diego, sailing, the Bills +++++…all wonderful memories forever sewn in my heart. I’m happy i had a last chance to see him at Christy’s wedding and hug that smiling plan one last time. Your art lives on in our yard! Love you Bob!
Mark A. Lathrop
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I was a student of his back in ‘83-‘85 and he truly helped shape my artistic future. Made my career in graphic design do in part to him. I just now saw the obituary or I would have attended in Saturday. My deepest condolences