David Benjamin Haman (1946-2010)

Obituary:

David Benjamin Haman

David Benjamin Haman, 64, passed quietly into the loving arms of his Savior on November 20, 2010. He was a man of gentle spirit and great strength. David trusted God daily for strength and perseverance and God graciously provided. David is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 37 years, Patty; and his children of whom he has always been so proud, Kevin (Becky), Tony (Heather), Mandy (Chad), and Tina (Rich). His six grandchildren were the special light in his life. He is also survived by his brother, Tom (Linda) Haman; sister, Joanne (Jeff) Fleming. He was preceded in death by his parents.

David loved to travel and vacation with his family. He especially loved Tennessee and the Blue Ridge Mountains. His love for building led him to become a Licensed Residential Contractor.

David received his BA and MA degrees from Stetson University. He devoted his professional life to his passion, education. He was a teacher at Palm Bay High School his entire career, starting in 1972. His dedication to teaching has been an example to his children and has led them all, along with many of his students, to become educators. He also taught in the adult education program at BCC. David was loved and respected by his students and colleagues. He received many awards over the years, specifically for his association with programs such as We The People and Model Student Senate. He was especially proud that his mock trial teams won many district competitions.

As a humble man, Dave never felt the need for recognition, but in 2000 he was honored by the Brevard County Bar Association for his dedication to teaching and was awarded the Non-lawyer Professionalism Award.

His greatest professional accomplishment was the development of the Law and Public Service Academy at Palm Bay High School. He was the director of the academy from its opening until he retired from teaching in June of 2006.

Visiting hours and a Rosary will be Friday, November 26 from 5 pm - 8 pm at Brownlie - Maxwell Funeral Home. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Saturday, November 27 at 9:30 am at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Babcock St.

Published in FLORIDA TODAY from November 24 to November 26, 2010