July 3, 1931 ~ January 4, 2005
Charles Robert ''Bob'' Haag born July 3, 1931 at Bakersfield, CA. son of pioneer Kern County residents Walter and Hazel Lee (Haag) Haag. Graduate of Bakersfield High School, Bakersfield College and UCLA. Following the awarding of his Ph.D. degree he served in the 82nd Airborne Division Band, U.S. Army and as Chaplain's Assistant for the 18th Airborne Corps. He served at El Camino College for 40 years as professor, Dean of Community Services, impresario of Marsee Auditorium and Foundation Executive Director. Upon his retirement, he was elected to the ECC Board of Trustees, served 2 1/2 terms, and was President of the Board at his death. He was an organizer and early president of the Western Arts Alliance, board member of the Association of Performing Arts Presenters, active member and president of Travel Adventures Cinema Society, all part of his management of the auditorium. He served on the Boards of Beach Cities Symphony and Community Concerts, was a Sterling Patron of Mu Phi Epsilon international music sorority, was a past president of Torrance Rotary and a frequent judge for and a member of the Music Teachers Association.
In later years he added a M.Div degree, Fuller Theological Seminary and ordination as a Presbyterian Minister. He was organist for several churches, including Covenant Presbyterian, Westchester and Calvary Presbyterian, Hawthorne, where he was also Parish Associate.
He soloed with several local orchestras. He was the first person to play the complete piano works of Haydn and Schubert in recital in Southern California and the second to play the complete Beethoven piano works, performing them in several series of recitals.
For more than 20 years Haag used his extensive knowledge of history and music as he and his wife, Mary, led travel groups for Petker Tours to Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.
He is survived by his wife Mary Anderson Haag, brother-in-law Robert Anderson (Nelda), Bellingham, WA, niece Patrice Anderson Lynch, Woodland Hills, nephew Tom Anderson, Wasilla, AK and many cousins and friends.
Memorial services will be Saturday, January 22, 2005, 10:30 a.m. at Calvary Presbyterian Church, 13560 Hawthorne Blvd., Hawthorne. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Robert Haag Music Scholarship Fund, El Camino College Foundation, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance 90506 or Wycliffe Bible Translators, P.O. Box 628200, Orlando, FL 32862.
Dear Mary and Family members It was a shock to us to read about the loss of your soul mate. What a pleasure for me to have gone to grammar school and High School with such a true talent. Robert was always very nice to me and I have a heavy heart at your lose. Margie and I pray for the repose of his sole. Margie and Glyn SCales
I remember Bob from my high school days in Shafter CA. He was a gifted pianist then and occassionally I would play the organ as he played the piano at the Mennonite Brethren Church in Shafter in 1953. My deepest sympathy to Mary and family in the loss of a wonderful man.
Dear Mary and family, Arly and I want you to know we are praying for you during this most difficult time. We have such fond memories of the beautiful music Bob produced wherever he went yet was so humble and unassuming. That orchestra in heaven will be happy for his arrival. May Jesus be your comforter at this time. With love and prayers, arly & jan
Mary, as you know several years I drove the bus to Bakersfield High and BC from Wasco. As I came down toward Rio Bravo School, I pulled up along side Hazel Haag\’s car and Bob got out and got on the bus. She waved to me as I headed south and turned on Rosedale Hwy. and stopped. Here you and Robert got on the bus. The next time I would see you was going home. During that time as I looked in the mirror through the bus, I noticed you and Bob sitting together. Those were good years of memories. We also have fond memories of Bob playing the piano and organ. And, of course, he played at our wedding. He was very talented and you are going to miss him. We pray that God will give you the comfort and strength you need each day.
All my deepest sympathies, Mary. I was so fortunate to have had Bob in my life. So many of my fondest memories from high school, college, and traveling have you two in them. And right now I can see, and hear, him so vividly as he played and lectured to my gifted high school students in Montecito the last time he agreed to my request. He was always there for me, and for everyone.
Those of us who are left behind have lost a wonderful friend, but today, Heaven is a much richer place. God Bless you Bob, and Mary. How I wish I could have had more time to know you both.
I was saddened to hear of Dr. Haag’s passing, as he is a primary reason why I have been involved in music since being a student of his at El Camino College back in the early 1970s. I remember him as a scholarly but not stuffy, witty, and generous person, full of life and humor. One of my fondest memories was being invited, along with my then-fiancee and now wife of 31 years, to a private recital at his and Mary’s home. The world is much diminished without him.