Dr. Leo "Red" Haberlack
June 16, 1932 – March 16, 2017

Leo Haberlack fondly known as "Red" was a wonderful provider, teacher, servant and protector who lived a faith-filled rich life. His work ethic, attention to detail and commitment to excellence are his legacy as well as his affection for his family and community. He was born June 16, 1932 to Mike and Phyllis Haberlack in Velva, North Dakota. After his youth years of school and sports, he graduated from Velva High School and went onto Minot State University where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree with a Major in Physical Education and a Minor in Business. He lettered in Football, Track, and Wrestling at MSU and was Captain of the Football team his Senior year. He was also a member of the Mu Sigma Tau Fraternity. From 1954-1956 Red served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany as a Morse Code Specialist for 18 months. After returning from the service, he taught and coached at various N.D. high schools and also received his Master's Degree from Northern Colorado U. In 1962, he accepted a teaching and football coaching position with Vence Elgie at Minot State University. In that same year, he married the love of his life, Shirley. In 1964, Dr. Ted Keck and Dr. Walkup offered Red a teaching and coaching position at Northern AZ University (which at the time was Arizona State College.) He joined the Football staff with Head Coach Max Spillsbury. In 1965, Red began building the Track and Field and Cross Country programs winning many championships and was voted the Big Sky Conference Coach of the Year nine times. At the International level in 1967, Red was invited by the U.S. Department of State to conduct track clinics in Panama and Mexico City to train Track Athletes for the Olympics. Red also did training with Olympic runners, George Young, Billy Mills, Jim Ryan, and Conrad Nightingale who were training at Flagstaff's high altitude. In 1976, Red received a Sabbatical from NAU to continue his education at the University of Utah, earning his Doctorate degree In Health Education. After 24 years, Red retired from coaching and went into Administration, first as Physical Education Chairman and later as Associate Dean in the NAU College of Health Professions position which he held until retirement in 1995. During his 31 years career at NAU, Red was on the AZ Governor's Council of Health and Fitness with Gov. Rose Moffert; was inducted to the NAU Hall of Fame; was a member of the Sports Blue Coats Club; was Homecoming Faculty Dedicatee and President of the Big Sky Track Coaches Association. He loved the Lumberjack community. He belonged to the AZ Weight Lifters Association and was Professor Emeritus. His 1967 Track Team was inducted into the 2010 NAU Hall of Fame. Many athletes were trained by Red and remember him as a tough coach who was a father figure to them. Red was a former member of the Knights of Columbus & President of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Parish Council and a 59 year member of the Elks Lodge. Red touched many lives and truly had a heart of love for people. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, biking and music and was an accomplished Harmonica player. To celebrate his retirement, he and Shirley vacationed in Australia where he had the adventure of snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef. Red is survived by his wife Shirley, two daughters Tricia Mary of Scottsdale & Tifni Ann (Scott Shroll) of Tempe and four grandchildren, Kaitlin, Taylor, Mary and John. Also sister Rose (Fred) and sisters in law Edna Bossert, Carol Haberlack and Myrna Haberlack. Also many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded by his parents Mike and Phyllis, three brothers Michael, Jerome and Paul, two sisters Bertha and Regina.

Holy Rosary will be recited at 6 PM on Thursday evening March 23 at the Norvel Owens Mortuary, 914 Historic Rte 66, Flagstaff 86001 followed by a Celebration of Life at 6:30. Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 24th at 11AM at San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church, 1600 E. Rte 66, Flagstaff 86001. Interment will be at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be sent to: Northern AZ Foundation, Attn: "Red" Haberlack Memorial Track & Field Scholarship, NAU PO Box 4094, Flagstaff, AZ 86011. The family would like to thank the Peaks and Hospice Compasses for Red's care this past year.