Fr Bill Haase sm

15 July 1935 - 15 Jan 2011

Fr Bill Haase sm

“The life ... of each of us has its influence on others...”. Dare I say that Bill epitomised that part of Paul’s saying. So intent was he on bringing comfort and enjoyment to those round him that one of his priest friends declared that life in Bill’s community was like being on a cruise liner. Someone was at hand to attend to people’s needs. Our friend seemed to enjoy the descriptive title of “Mariposa Bill”.
Bill was a qualified teacher in NZ, later acquired a licentiate and doctorate in Canon Law in Rome and taught in the Marist seminary.
Here we are, friends and family from different places. Our presence is itself a testimony. In St Paul’s Cathedral the stone plaque to architect Sir Christopher Wren reads (in Latin: Lector, si monumentum requiris circumspice): “If you need a memorial, look about you.” We are like a memorial of living fabric to Bill Haase. Each of us could recount actions of thoughtfulness and stories of kindness expressed through huge domestic skills, general knowledge and quickness of wit. As Br Gerard said to me, he was the original multi-tasker. There was an ability to communicate which went beyond listening and speaking. We could all tell many tales.
We would probably find it harder to express why Bill came to prefer the years of life outside of a Marist house and without assigned priestly ministry. Even if we heard him talk heatedly about aspects, and came to see that deep feelings were involved, I doubt that we could express a coherent account with confidence.
Apparently logical statements seemed to cover deep emotion.
But we’re aware of the deep peace which marked him as he approached his death. He had spoken for some time of his awareness and acceptance. He was ready. There’s the further gift from Bill to each of us ... “the life and death of each of us has its influence on others”. We thank God for what will help us to face the ending of this life.

from the Funeral Homily
by Fr Grahame Connolly sm