Paul J. Haanstad
June 16, 1944 - May 2, 2019
Paul J. Haanstad passed away in his home on May 2, 2019 after a tenacious 20 year battle against prostate cancer. He was born in Oakes, ND on June 16, 1944, son of the late Rev. Engval Johan and Christine Brodahl Haanstad. He is survived by his daughters Elizabeth (Tim) and Katherine (Adam), and his grandkids Kirsten, Aidan, and Camilla. He is also survived by his siblings Morry (JoAnn), Dorcas, Martin (Evelyn), Jeanette (Allan), and Liz (Dick), and many nieces and nephews. Of course, he is most dearly missed by his wife of 52 years, Nancy Newcomb Haanstad.
Paul grew up in South San Francisco, CA, Canton, SD, and Webster, SD. His big Norwegian family was very close. He graduated from Webster High in 1962 where he excelled in academics, athletics, and his first love – classical music.
He loved his academic career. He graduated from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD in 1966 with majors in German and philosophy. He received a Fulbright Scholarship to study philosophy in Germany at the University of Wurzberg in 1966-1967. He completed his PhD in philosophy under Dallas Willard at the University of Southern California. In 1971 he was hired by the University of Utah for his expertise in Husserl and phenomenology. He taught in the Philosophy Department there for 37 years alongside life-long friends.
He was a prodigious athlete. Paul excelled at running, biking, tennis, golf, and squash. But his primary joy came from playing handball. He was President of the Utah Handball Association in the 80’s. Otherwise, his favorite thing was a long run up all the hills at Sugarhouse Park, or powering a bike up a mountain at high noon in July.
But it wasn’t just academics and athletics. Paul was a true Renaissance man. He was an amazing handyman. He built and installed cupboards, bookshelves, desks – anything we needed. He canned apricot butter made from the giant apricot tree behind the garage. He was possibly the world’s best housepainter. He co-owned a garbage company for a short time. His collection of science fiction books could fill a library. He could fix a car or rewire a room or play the piano.
Paul was a fantastic dad and a devoted grandpa. This is where his greatest gifts shone. He was kind, interested, creative, and funny. He sang silly songs, recited nursery rhymes, and had a repertoire of funny voices that never got old. He taught the importance and fun of science, and helped us all work through any hurt feelings or upset. He loved to do puzzles, read books, and go on walks with his grandkids. There were countless soccer games, hockey games, volleyball games, and recitals.
Grandpa was a terrific babysitter. 4-year-old Camilla especially remembers playing hide-and-seek with grandpa. 14-year-old Aidan really loved their choreographed high fives. 17-year-old Kirsten’s favorite memory is of singing “Country Roads” with him.
Paul’s family is so grateful to the many medical professionals who helped us keep Paul around for so long, especially Dr. Scott Samuelson and PA Bruce Bolonesi. And a special thanks to Quality Hospice for easing his passing. RN Becky Johnson and CNA Alexis Hilkey took very good care of all of us.
A Celebration of Paul’s Life will be held on Thursday May 16, 2019 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East in Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking provided on the north side of the building.
In Loving Memory
Our most deep felt condolences to all of you from the Norwegian side of the family.
Renate Honstad Wild
Andebu Norway, No
I loved his classes and having him help baffle our way through the “phenomenological methodâ€. He was such a kind, smart, inspiring educator. So sorry to his wife and children. He will be missed in the world. Warmly. Mae
Mae Butterfield
Salt Lake City, UT
So very sorry for your loss Liz and family! Praying that the years of memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Mia Mahoney
Riverside, Ca
Nancy, you have my deepest sympathy and prayers at this time of painful loss. Please be sure of my thoughts and love.
Diane Krantz
Ogden, UT
I could not be more saddened by this loss. And while it would make him cross to hear it, he is still well deserving of my boundless respect and will forever be "Mr. Haanstad" to me for as long as I draw breath. I find that in my very best of friends - and I truly consider both Liz and, her husband, Tim, just that - you find in their parents individuals of extraordinary character and capability, adjectives that well describe Mr. Haanstad. It was always such a pleasure to share time with him and a real reward to make him laugh as his joy was infectious. Also, to this day, I still take such pride for when he took my name in vain during a moment of frustration outside of the Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland. It remains one of my most treasured stories and only further reminds me of Mr. Haanstad's remarkable passion. But while he will certainly be missed, another grand quality was ensuring that those he loved would forever know it. Great individuals know that little good comes from any ambiguity, and Mr. Haanstad always ensured those that he treasured were so very well awash in his affection nothing could be more apparent than how much he adored them. Truly, I am better for having known him and, once more, could not be more sorry for his passing. Aside from these meager words that hoped to help further bolster what a remarkable individual Mr. Haanstad was, I also wish to pass along my deepest sympathies to Mrs. Haanstad, Liz, Katherine, as well as their loving spouses, children and families.
Richard Reagan
San Marcos, CA
I was a handball player and very much enjoyed playing and knowing Paul. He will be greatly missed. One of the nicest guys I ever met and a very skilled competitor. I wish all the best for his family. I hope to meet up with him again. Ks
Kurt Spjute
Sandy, Ut
I love playing handball with Paul. He always required the best from himself. He was a fierce competitor. He will be missed. Glenda and I send out love to Paul's family at this time. Steve and Glenda Apple
Steve Apple
Cedar Hills, UT
Dear Haanstad Family, We were so sorry to hear about Paul’s passing away. He certainly led a full, and successful life who clearly left a wonderful impression on all those who had the privilege of knowing him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Drenda and John Heydel
Drenda and John Heydel
Greenwood, SC
Just musing about the great times we had as kids when the Haanstads and Bergans would get together. Kick the can, dungeon, midnight murder, Roman basketball, shooting tin cans above the trees with fireworks, and rolling the tractor tire at one of the kids on the rope swing -- never a serious injury, and even more remarkable, never an argument or an unkind word! We'll miss you, Paul.
Jud Bergan
Sioux Falls, SD
We have missed Paul on the handball court. He made an outing to play just a few years ago, and we were happy to see him with the gloves on again. He had a dependable kill shot, great form, and good range. The fraternity of handball players is one that includes every man or woman who struggles into a couple of wrinkled gloves, and it extends to all, philosophers and kings, cowboys and janitors. Paul was a brilliant member, and he welcomed the skilled and the not so much onto the court. We hope there is handball in store for him in the hereafter, and that we get to serve a couple of times. Rest In Peace. Serve ‘em up.
Rick Moldover
Salt Lake City, UT