Richard M. Haavisto

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Richard Haavisto who passed away July 4, 2026 at a Board and Care.

Richard was born in Chicago, Illinois April 21, 1947 to parents Uno and Florence Haavisto, and soon moved to California.

Richard Haavisto was preceded in death by his brother Robert Haavisto and his parents.

Richard Haavisto is survived by his wife, Geraldine, many cousins, and good friends.

Most of Rich's school years were in Folsom and Sacramento California. In High School Rich was a star basketball player, and also a baseball pitcher. In his Senior year Rich received several trophies in basketball. Even with all his extracurricular activities, he remained an A student.

Rich's first year in college was spent in Salem, Oregon at Willamette University. He received a basketball scholarship for one year. He received his college degree at Sacramento State University as a Civil Engineer.

Richard worked for the Army Corps of Engineers from April 1974 to October 2002. He worked a total of 28 years. He worked in Japan for 3 years where he got reaquainted with a close childhood friend. Rich and his wife got housing 4 houses from where they lived. It was a wonderful time as we all hit it off, and they showed us how to get around Japan. We spent a great deal of time together traveling, sightseeing, eating, etc.

Richard and his wife loved to travel, camp, backpack, fish, anything out doors.

He was proud of himself for taking and passing the Civil Engineer Registration Test. A very hard test. This is not required to get a degree as a Civil Engineer, but allows him to do more, and sign important papers etc.

Rich will be remembered mostly for his sports ability, and all around good guy!