Memorial Trees
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Cathy Haigh, Heather Hosier & Canaan James
January 23, 2025
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The staff at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory
January 22, 2025
Memorial trees planted for:
Richard W. Haigh
<p>Richard “Dick” Wayne Haigh, 78, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on January 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. </p><p>Friends and family may visit from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Monday January 27, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A Sharing Time will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by Military Honors accorded by the Iowa Army National Guard. </p><p>Richard was born on September 23, 1946, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Fieldon & Dorothy (Hines) Haigh. Dick lived in an era of time where kids went out and played with the neighborhood kids and didn’t come home until the streetlights came on. Parents didn’t have to worry about their safety. What a wonderful childhood! Dick honorably served his country in the United States Army from February of 1966 to January of 1968. He was stationed overseas in Germany during this time. He married the love of his life, Patricia Kirsch, on December 28, 1968, in Dubuque. It was love at first sight, and it has been history ever since. Dick was a member of the Bowling League, and he enjoyed playing baseball. </p><p>Dick is survived by his wife of 56 years, Pat, daughter Debra (Robert) O’Connell, son Rich Haigh, grandson Logan O’Connell, and sister Joyce Morgan of Cedar Rapids. </p><p>He was preceded in death by his parents Fieldon and Dorothy, brothers Robert and Al Haigh, and sister Jean Wilke. </p><p>The family would like to thank Dr. Hermann & staff, Dr. Kelly & staff, and the staff of UnityPoint Finley Hospital’s 5th floor, and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their loving care for Dick. </p><p> </p><p>Eulogy for Dick </p><p>by Patricia Haigh </p><p>We are all gathered here today to celebrate the wonderful life of a great man. Dick had a love for nature, and who knows, maybe it went back to his childhood. </p><p>Spring was his favorite time of the year to go into his woods and just see every plant come to life, listening to the birds and squirrels rustling through the woods. Oh, how those woods will miss him along with us. </p><p>In the fall, all of the walnuts would fall on the driveway and what a chore to pick them all up! Luckily Dick had a neighbor who would take them and then shell them and give him bags of delicious nuts. He would see why his squirrel friends in the woods loved them so much. </p><p>“Always walk on the sunny side of the street, it’s warmer and more cheerful” was one of Dick’s sayings. It always bothered him that his mother-in-law purchased a home in town with a living room on the north side of the house where no sunshine came in the windows but did come in the bedroom, which he said did no good when that is where you sleep at night. </p><p>Dick loved his coffee friends in the morning who shared the gossip of the day with each other. If only the walls could talk… </p><p>Dick’s greatest accomplishment was sharing his life with his wife of 56 years and two wonderful children and grandson. His best message to them is: </p><p>“Think positive and positive things will come your way. Be happy with yourself. There will never be another you. Take everything in stride and always be happy. Never let yourself get overly excited or upset and keep control of your life. Get in harmony with the creative, life-giving forces of the universe. Affirm peace, wholeness, and good health – and they will be yours. </p><p>My life ended too soon, as far as my family feels, oh how I wish I could have spent more time with everyone, but I was blessed to have the life I did. </p><p>Amen. </p>January 21, 202501/21/2025
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