Richard "Dick" E. Haskins

Richard “Dick” E. Haskins, 83, passed away January 14, 2011 at Urbandale Senior Suites after a 13-month courageous battle with brain cancer. To honor his wishes, Dick will be cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, April 16, 2011 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. Following the Celebration, family will greet friends until 8 p.m.

Dick was born in Casey, Iowa on April 10, 1927 to Burnell and Anna Haskins. He served in the U.S. Navy in 1945. While attending Drake University, he worked part-time at Employers Mutual Casualty Company. He married Carolyn “Jean” Gault in 1949. He has fond memories of living in Vinton, Iowa during the time their children were born. After earning his law degree from Drake, Dick and Jean made their permanent home in Des Moines when he returned to start his career with EMC, which spanned 40 years. Throughout his career, he worked as a Claims Adjuster and Supervisor, Manager and Vice President of the Surety and Assumed Reinsurance Departments, and President and Chief Operating Officer of EMC Reinsurance Company. He also held offices in a number of industry organizations and taught insurance courses at Drake University. EMC was like a second family to him, and he has spent much time researching and compiling information for a book on the company’s 100-year history for which he is to be recognized this summer. In addition, he was a very active member of SCORE, the Service Corps of Retired Executives Association, in which retired people utilize their skills in helping others start their own business. He was a very generous, caring, and wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. Dick and Jean just celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in July. He loved his family above all else and enjoyed spending as much time as possible with his grandchildren. He loved to go camping and traveling with his family. Through their many travels, Dick and Jean found a home in Surprise, Arizona where they spent half the year for 15 years following his retirement.

Dick is survived by his wife, Jean; daughter, Carolyn Miller of Seattle, WA; sister, Pat Cornwell; six grandchildren, Nathan (Jamie) Miller, Braden Miller, Jeremy Getta, Dustin Getta, Evan Getta, and Nicole Getta; and one great-granddaughter, Felise Miller. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jan Getta; son, Michael Haskins; and brother, Paul Haskins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Musella Foundation for brain tumor research and information, 1100 Peninsula Blvd, Hewlett, NY 11557. Online condolences may be made at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com. The family would like to thank the staff at Urbandale Senior Suites and Hospice of Central Iowa for all of their exceptional care and loving concern for Dick.

www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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