Werner Haas, a 30-year resident of West Hollywood passed away on January 17, 2017, at the tender young age of 87. He was incredibly protective and outspoken of the city of West Hollywood and took great pride of being a resident in the city. The greatest highlight of his golden years was his time he spent on the West Hollywood Senior Advisory Board. During this time he befriended city council members and various city officials who all had a great appreciation for his raw humorous delivery of information and ideas that he contributed to the Advisory Board and beyond.
As a young child his family fled the Nazis and settled in Indianapolis. After graduating high school he served honorably in the United States Army. After the military he attended Northwestern University where he majored in Business Communication. He took his writing talent to New York City where he became a leader in business communication. His 50-year career garnered major clients such as American Express, General Motors, US Postal Service, Chrysler Corporation and many many more.
He wrote speeches for former U.S. Presidents and every major CEO from Kodak to USAir and Westinghouse. In addition, his output included seven feature film scripts, two network sitcoms, two game shows and public relations. When he first arrived to West Hollywood his office was at Hollywood Center Studios where he was nestled between the office of Cathy Guisewite (Cathy cartoonist) and George Burns. Cathy presented Werner with a signed one-of-a-kind framed Cathy cartoon, and George Burns shared dozens of boxes of cigars and stories of the golden years of Hollywood with Werner.
Werner was one of a kind. He was an only child and at the age of 87 had no family left however, he often said that “god brought him into the world with little family but that his family here on Holloway drive and the kind people of this city were more than any kid could have asked for.”
Werner relied heavily on the West Hollywood Dial-A-Ride program and sometimes openly wept when he spoke of the first class team of handlers and drivers that transported him to dialysis three days a week. We all thank the City of West Hollywood for how gracious and kind they were to this West Hollywood senior citizen and the compassionate services you provided. We will never forget the way you honored and respected him.
Werner’s housemates Juan and Skylar and his beloved dog Tiger and many friends will miss him terribly.
Such a kind, fascinating and creative human being and a very good writer. A big loss for WeHo!
Requiescat in pace.
Very sad news. Mr. Haas lived in my neighborhood & I always enjoyed seeing him at 7 Eleven & particularly enjoyed his writings.