On November 16, 2022, Bernie B. Haas of Lake Chautauqua, NY and DeBary, FL was called home to help our Lord with His golf swing and manage one of the "heavenly" golf clubs.

Born February 12, 1934, to Bernard and Dorothy Haas in Lancaster, OH.  A graduate of Kent State High School where he played basketball, football and golf.  Attended University of Miami for freshman year then took an Assistants job for the summer at Lancaster Country Club, then turned Pro.  Duty called and he went into the Army, soon he was transferred to Misawa Air Force Base in Japan, in charge of the golf club.  Upon being honorably discharged he secured the Assistant Pro job at Burning Tree Country Club in Washington, D.C., working under Max Elbin a former PGA President.  While employed there he was honored to give then-Vice President Richard Nixon lessons and play a round on the links.

In the years to follow he taught and was playing Pro at the Philadelphia Country Club, and was Head Pro at Pittsburgh Field Club where he set a course record of 61 which in later years, Freddie Couples and Ernie Els tied.  He was Head Pro at Acacia country club in Cleveland, OH, Head Pro at Rend Lake Golf Club in southern Illinois, and had owned and operated Cassadaga Golf Club in western NY.  Soon after retirement, he was offered a position as Director of Instruction at Chautauqua Golf Club and remained there for 13 years.  He so enjoyed the time there, as many former friends and students from Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Ohio spent the summers at Chautauqua, and many new friends were made, also.

Having belonged to different PGA chapters, he held many different offices, however, it was his service to the Northern Ohio chapter while at Acacia that earned him the honor of being inducted into the Northern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame on September 18, 1995.

Throughout his career, he was blessed to play in six opens – winning four; play in four National PGA Championships; play in the National PGA Senior Championship; and, play in the USGA Senior Open Championship.

A cherished golf memory was in Palm Springs, CA.  He got to play with Arnold Palmer for five days and was given a signed photo.

Bernie's greatest pleasure in golf, was seeing those he had helped, enjoying the game, whether they were just on the links for a fun outing or playing in a tournament, both were equal to him.

Described by all as a "true gentleman" and "gentleman's pro."  There was always a kind word and smile for whomever he came into contact with.

Hunting, fishing and reading (especially on the civil war) were great relaxation along with fall trips he and Carole took to Vermont, Upstate NY, OH, NYC and NJ, and his all-time favorite, the Great Smokey Mountains for trail-walking, historical sites and nature.  His fondest wish came true when wonderful friends Marty & Sandy extended an invitation to he and Carole to be their guests at the Ohio State/Michigan game – Go Buckeyes!

He never failed to give thanks to God daily for all the wonderful blessings given.

A proud father of four, Grandfather of nine, great-grandfather of five, devoted and loving husband.

Survived by wife and best friend, Carole, son Bruce (Ellie), son Brad (Debbie), daughter Sherry, and sister Carol (Dean).

Pre-deceased by parents, son Bernie Jr., grandson Tim, brother Mike, and sister Anna Lee.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 16th at 4:00 p.m. (with a reception to follow) at Chautauqua Golf Club, Rt. 394 Chautauqua, NY.  Please phone Carole to confirm attendance at 716-753-3740 (no text).  If desired, donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105) or Shriner's Children's Hospital 1645 W. 8th St, Erie, PA, 16505).

Carole and family wish to thank all (way too many to name) for all their many prayers, cards, support, and kindness given and shown during the last 2 ½ months of our beloved Bernie's life.

To leave a remembrance or to post condolences to the family, please visit freayfuneralhome.com