Judge Harl Haas

Judge Harl H. Haas, 80, of Portland, Ore., passed away peacefully Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013, at his home, surrounded by loved ones.

He was born Dec. 24, 1932, in Cape Girardeau, to Harl Henry Haas and Berenice Taylor.

Harl called Oregon home beginning in 1958 when he came west to attend law school. After military service and undergraduate study at the University of Montana and Southeast Missouri State University, Harl graduated with honors from Willamette University Law School in 1961.

He was proud to be a 52-year member of the Oregon State Bar. His occupation was trial lawyer; his avocation was public service. He was able to combine the two in a long and distinguished career serving the people of Multnomah County and the state of Oregon in all three branches of government as a legislator, district attorney and circuit court judge.

Harl's motivation to enter public service was a true desire to improve the lives of the people he represented. He was most proud of the programs he pioneered that made real differences in the lives of thousands of people in Oregon and across the nation. In 1974, as district attorney, his office created the first Rape Victim Advocate Program to ease the trauma and protect the dignity of rape victims as they assisted the prosecution of the accused.

In 1975, he implemented the first Victim's Assistance Program to require restitution and protect the rights of crime victims. In 1991, as circuit court judge, he started the STOP Drug Court to recognize and minimize the effect of drug addiction in the administration of justice.

These programs became models for the nation and he went on to promote them nationally, speaking at legislative and judicial conferences in nearly every state and in Congress. He was an invited guest of President Clinton in 1994 at the signing of the National Crime Bill at the White House. Harl was a proud Democrat and skilled politician who practiced his craft in a time where differences of opinion created opportunities for compromise and progress. Along with his public service came public notoriety. Harl knew how to differentiate the two.

He made appearances on "60 Minutes," "The Phil Donahue Show" and Court TV, and was covered by many local and national publications. He never lost sight of his role as an advocate and arbiter for justice and fairness.

Speaking of Harl, famous trial lawyer Gerry Spence said "He was patient. He was a loving judge. He ruled with love not power. He created a court in which the atmosphere was one of caring and redemption. These are inadequate words I write for a great man who has made immeasurable contributions to my life over the years." Mr. Spence tried a case in front of Judge Haas in 1987 that became the subject of Spence's book "The Smoking Gun."

His accomplished professional life was balanced by a rich personal life. He was a devoted father to Amy and Holly and was so proud to be "Papa" to all of his grandchildren. Growing up in Missouri, he became a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan, but that didn't keep him from rooting for the Yankees. He was a fan of both the Ducks and the Beavers. He loved to tell stories, read biographies, listen to love songs, go out to lunch with friends, and travel with the love of his life and wife of 28 years, Mary Lou.

Harl is survived by his wife, Mary Lou; daughter, Holly; grandkids, Nevara, Nixie and Colton; stepchildren, Ross Calvin (Mellani), Cathy Calvin-Smith (Gordon), Scott Calvin (Jennifer); stepgrandchildren, Maya, Wesley, Judd and Whitney; and former spouse, Sharron Haas.

Harl was preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Amy Sandlin (Ron).

He was a role model and mentor to many, personally and professionally, and will be greatly missed by his family, friends and colleagues.

There will be a private burial service followed by a celebration of life at a date to be announced.

River View Cemetery Funeral Home in Portland is in charge of arrangements.

Remembrances may be made to The Nixie and Nevara Sandlin Fund (U.S. Bank account number 153666064750) or to the Campaign for Equal Justice, 1515 S.W. Fifth Ave., Portland, OR 97201.