John A. Haskin, PhD, 73 of Traverse City, passed away Thursday, November 28, 2019 in Alden. He was born November 9, 1946, in Traverse City to Frederick H and Alice Bowie Haskin. He leaves his beloved wife Roxanne K. Fall; four daughters Melissa Haskin, Jennifer Schemke and Kimberly Haskin of Manchester, and Astraea Lilley (Haskin) and her husband Ben of Ann Arbor; stepdaughter Jessi Smith and her husband Jim of Alden; his sister Betty Haskin and her husband Bill Neville and their son John Neville of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He also leaves seven grandchildren, McGuire Irvine, Alex and Morgan Swartout, Jayden and Devin Lilley, and Adriana and Sebastian Smith.
He was preceded in death by his grandson Austin Swartout.
John earned a BA in English and graduated with high honors in 1967, and Master’s in education in 1972, both from Michigan State University, and PhD in Clinical Psychology from The Union Institute of Cincinnati, OH in 1992.
A psychologist in private practice for 25 years, John was president and lead psychologist of Management & Behavior Consultants PC of Traverse City. In addition to providing therapy for individuals, he specialized in working with law enforcement and emergency services personnel, active military, and veterans. Before joining MBCTC, John was the Director of Training and Public Information for Great Lakes Community Mental Health Services. Actibe in many professional organizations, he was awarded the Presidential Gavel for Outstanding Leadership and Continued Service by the National Association of mental Health Information Officers and Pro Bono Publico Award by the American Society of Trial Consultants. A life-long educator, he began his teaching career at Traverse City Senior High. Later, John was adjunct faculty at Spring Arbor University, the Union Institute and University, and Northwestern Michigan College.
John was an avid sailor owning several sailboats over the years. A lifetime highlight was sailing from Clearwater, FL to Elk Rapids, MI on his new 35-foot sloop, Shrink Rap, in 2002. He was active in the Coast Guard Auxiliary and US Power Squadron.
John was a dedicated player, collector, and restorer of vintage Hagstrom guitars and maintained a large personal collection. He loved reading, writing, gardening, sailing, art, theatre, music, humor and cooking (especially if he could use or preserve something from his garden!) John also had a passion for the natural world. He enjoyed caring for the many plants and trees surrounding his home, creating fairy gardens for grandchildren, and photographing close ups of nature. Always engaged in life, he was at work on a new sailing adventure novel. He and his beloved wife had recently returned from a cruise in the St. Lawrence Seaway where he was researching history and locations to put the finishing touches on the story.
John will be remembered by family and friends for his huge capacity for love and kindness, his generosity, willingness to help others, keen intelligence, and his wit and love of a good pun.
The family honors the memory of John and invites you to a memorial service at 3:30 pm on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse, 6726 Center Rd., Traverse City, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either of the following organizations: - The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation/Traverse Area Community Sailing Endowment. Or – The Nature Conservancy in Michigan
Arrangements were made by Wolfe-O’Neill Funeral Home
