Lincolnites are invted to a memorial service at Bemis Hall in honor and remembrance of Haskel Straus on Sunday, June 26 at 2 p.m. with a reception to follow. Haskel passed away on February 3, 2016 after a long illness. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on May 9, 1950 to the late Velma Lukko and Haskel Strausberg. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Barbara Owens Straus, as well as many beloved relations and friends.
Haskel graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the City College of New York in 1971 with a B.A. in mathematics. After graduation, he entered U.S. Navy Officer Training School in Newport, R.I., where he studied aircraft maintenance and student training. During his service in the Navy, he served on aircraft carriers in both Europe and Asia, eventually achieving the rank of commander.
From active duty in the U.S. Navy, Haskel moved to Silicon Valley and worked as a private pilot, software developer and instructor, real estate broker and eventually worked for the author and motivational speaker Tony Robbins. He moved back to Massachusetts in 1990 to start a Robbins Sales Training Center. Haskel’s next successful career was a software developer.
Haskel truly loved the town of Lincoln and devoted his time to many local activities, including the Alliance for Democracy, the Labyrinth Society, and the Alan Watts Fellowship. Haskel was a contributing member on the board of the Friends of the Lincoln Library and taught personal growth classes at the Council on Aging.
Haskel believed in the intrinsic goodness of all people and devoted his time and energy to helping others expand their human potential. The fact that Haskel was a natural teacher—coupled with his amazing sense of delight, worldliness, intellect, humor and kindness—brought out the very best in him as well as others. Haskel enjoyed life to the fullest and never lost his childlike sense of natural joy and happiness. Of course, he devoted himself to his students as he taught personal classes covering spirituality and enlightenment. Haskel was also an avid line dancer and loved the company of fellow dancers. He enjoyed being the lone male dancer in his group; accordingly, the group named itself “Haskel and his Twinklelettes.”
In addition to his many generous gifts, Haskel had a charismatic personality and was incredibly kind. He was in love with life and enjoyed the beauty and diversity of all living things. Haskel was also known for his great sense of humor. The very first time he met his wife Barbara’s parents, he brought sparklers and firecrackers, he announced, “because it is a cold night in February” as he urged everyone to go outside and set them off. Haskel did this just to make everyone smile.
A favorite quote: “Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.” (Simone Weil)
Haskel loved people and being with others. What an honor he would have felt that his friends and loved ones acknowledge how much they miss his bright smile and bright spirit. We all miss you, Haskel!
— Submitted by Sally Kindleberger
