Bruce Vernon Haar

Bruce Vernon Haar passed away after an almost 15 year long battle with dementia surrounded by his family on Sunday, February 25, 2024 in Queen Creek, Arizona.  Bruce was born to Vernon and Helen Haar on March 25, 1952. Bruce was the second born and first son of five children.  He was born in Fresno and raised in Bakersfield, CA.  His family lived in a rural area where Bruce could catch critters and hunt jack rabbits.  Bruce loved boy scouts.  In high school, he wrestled and played football.

At the age of 19 Bruce chose to serve a 2 year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was called to serve in Ontario/Quebec, Canada.  He often told us that the mission motto was, “many are cold, but few are frozen.”  He also served in upper state New York, which he said was beautiful! He returned home from his mission in 1973.

That fall he enrolled in Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah where he majored in Physical Education with an emphasis in Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology.  He powerlifted for the Brigham Young University Powerlifting Team where he earned many awards and broke several BYU and Utah State records.  In 1974, the BYU team won the National Championship.  It was at BYU that Bruce met Glenna, his best friend and the love of his life. He and Glenna were married in the Los Angeles Temple on June 15, 1974. Together they raised 4 children, Matt, Troy, Amber and Jill, in Hacienda Heights and Walnut, CA. They shared 49 years of marriage and look forward to an eternity together.  Bruce adored Glenna and loved being with her always.

Bruce was a Los Angeles County Marshall for 14 years and a Los Angeles County Sheriff for 15 years.  In 2001, he was awarded California State Police Officer of the year.  He loved working in law enforcement and the great friends he made during his career.  He had TOs (Training Officers) and partners that became like family.  Bruce loved competing in the Police Olympics in tug-of-war and powerlifting. He won 1st place in every state and national event. He held the national record for Combined Total of Three Lifts – squat, dead lift, and bench press.  His lifts total was 627.5 kilos or 1,383.4 pounds with a personal best of 1,466 pounds. He weighed only 165 pounds and was 5 foot 3 inches tall.  Bruce retired from the Sheriff’s Department in 2009.  In retirement, he spent his time volunteering at the Sheriff’s Department Shooting Range and loved cruising with Glenna to Panama, Alaska, the British Isles, and Mexico.

Finding good deals was one of Bruce’s beloved pastimes. Big 5, Sears, Costco, yard sales, and outlets were some of his favorites. He was a great shopper and taught his family to get the most out of a dollar. He coached all of his children in soccer.  Bruce showed up to high school games and track meets in his sheriff uniform to catch the last few minutes of the game or race and it meant the world to his children. He truly was their biggest fan.  Bruce also had a soft spot for nature and animals.  Bruce and Glenna loved taking their family camping at Pt. Magu. It became an annual vacation the family looked forward to and enjoyed for 20 years with many good friends.  He loved animals, especially his dogs, Clicker, Lucky, Buster, Beans, and Breggie.  Bruce loved playing jokes on his friends and family.  He was fun-loving and lived life to the fullest.

Bruce served in many capacities in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.   His favorite was working in the nursery with the young children aged 18 months to 3 years old and serving as scout master. He loved going on backpacking trips and teaching the boys to fish and about the outdoors.  Charity was one of Bruce’s greatest attributes.  He taught his children to be empathetic toward others and to be the helpers.  He served his adult children while visiting their homes by pulling weeds, sweeping, washing dishes or holding a fussy grandbaby.  He would always ask “How can I help?” and it was so appreciated.  Bruce had a very generous heart.

After retirement, Bruce and Glenna moved to Arizona. They made many new friends there and enjoyed the beauty of the desert on their walks.  After a 15 year battle, Bruce passed away from complications due to late-stage dementia surrounded by his loving family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Helen Haar. Bruce is survived by his wife of 49 years, his 4 children, 10 grandchildren and all 4 of his siblings.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 11:00 AM in the Queen Creek LDS Church located at 19413 South Sossaman Road Queen Creek, Arizona.  Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing Saturday, March 2, 2024 from 9:30 – 10:30 AM.  Interment will be at the Gilbert Memorial Park Cemetery & Funeral Home at 2100 East Queen Creek Road Gilbert, Arizona 85297.

We are grateful for Bruce and Glenna’s many friends and loved ones who have called, sent cards, meals, and offered their love and support.  Lastly, we want to thank Bruce’s wonderful caregivers that have become like family — Mary, Liz, Kathy and many others.  Their love and care has made the past 18 months on Hospice much more bearable for Bruce and his family.