E. Haffke

A respected member of the business and legal community, Bill will be best remembered as a wonderful and beloved husband, father, and grandfather. His kind heart, cheerful disposition and complete devotion to his family defined him. Bill's generosity and love of people encompassed friends and extended family all over the world.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Dolores Haffke, and is survived by his brother George (Susan), his wife of 47 years, Bunny, their daughter Karen (Tom), sons Chris (Julie) and Rob (Louise). He loved and was adored by his grandchildren, Natalie, Peter, Garrett, Kate, Abby and Charlie.

Bill was born in Omaha, Nebraska but spent his childhood in Fort Morgan, Colorado. He attended Cornell College in Iowa and went on to receive his MA in Political Science from Cornell University and his JD from Duke University in 1970. After practicing law at Jones Day from 1970-1977, Bill joined Ameritrust Corporation where he became Executive Vice President of Credit Policy and Risk Management until 1991. Bill went on to become Partner in Charge at Benesch Friedlander Copeland and Aronoff. He was founder and CEO of CompliSource until his retirement in 2003. His community leadership included serving as the Chairman of the Board of the Cleveland Ballet, and board service for the Positive Education Program and Cornell College. He was also a dedicated volunteer for the Case Western Reserve University annual book sale benefiting continuing education.

Bill loved nothing more than spending time with and taking care of his family. He was married to the love of his life, Bunny, for more than 47 years. They loved to travel together and recently returned from adventures in New Zealand, Australia and Morocco. Photography, wood working, hiking and canoeing were some of his favorite pastimes, and our homes are filled with artwork and furniture that he made for us. In his youth he was an avid tennis and squash player and played the trombone in his college band. Bill was a man of many dimensions who loved to learn. He valued knowledge and understood the power of an open mind. He chose his words carefully and purposefully. When our father spoke, people wanted to listen. His advice and words of wisdom influenced the lives of many.

Bill the husband, father, friend and brother was our rock. He guided us through our lives and helped us to become better people. He was cherished and will be forever missed. Thank you Dad for everything. We love you.

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E. William "Bill" Haffke, Jr., age 72 of Cleveland Heights, OH. Beloved husband of Bunny Haffke (nee von Heiland); loving father of Karen Smith (Tom) of Ft. Collins, CO, Chris Haffke (Julie) of Shaker Heights and Rob Haffke (Louise) of Shaker Heights; dear grandfather of Natalie and Peter Smith, Garrett and Kate Haffke, Abby and Charlie Haffke; dear brother of George Haffke (Susan) of Fort Morgan, CO.

The family prefers that those who wish may make contributions in his name to The Salvation Army of Greater Cleveland, 2507 East 22nd Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44115.

Funeral services private. Friends may call at Brown-Forward, 17022 Chagrin Blvd, Shaker Heights, OH, on Thursday, April 23, from 4-7 pm. Interment, Lake View Cemetery.


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