Henry Harrison Haws

Henry Harrison Haws

March 27, 1934 – December 23, 2024

Henry Harrison Haws was born on March 27, 1934, in Mesa, Arizona, at the Mesa Southside District Hospital on the southeast corner of South Hibbert Street and Main Street. He was the fifth son and sixth child of Walter Porfirio Haws and Maude Nuttall Haws.

Henry attended Mesa schools: Lincoln, Irving, and Franklin Elementary Schools, followed by Mesa High School, where he graduated with the Class of 1952, the school’s 50th graduating class. He continued his education at Arizona State College (now ASU) in Tempe, Arizona, in 1952-53 and later attended Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, in 1953-54.

A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Henry served a Spanish-speaking mission from September 1954 to March 1957 in the Spanish American Mission, covering Texas and New Mexico. Throughout his life, he faithfully served in various leadership and service roles within the Church.

After his mission, Henry returned to BYU in 1957 and then transferred to California State Polytechnic College (Cal Poly) in Pomona, California, where he earned a degree in Landscape Construction and Landscape Architecture in 1960. He began his professional career with the State of California Division of Beaches and Parks as a district landscape architect in San Clemente.

On June 17, 1961, Henry married Edna Anne Hoffman in the Los Angeles Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In 1962, Henry and Edna returned to Mesa, Arizona, to join the family business, Haws Nursery and Landscaping. Henry opened his landscape architecture practice and worked alongside his father and brothers, Don and Ross, expanding the family enterprises. Together with their brother Lyman, they also launched Haws Flower Shop in 1964.

Henry built a successful career as a landscape architect, designing churches, financial institutions, shopping centers, parks, and other public spaces, along with many residential designs around the Valley and Arizona.

At the invitation of his Uncle George Haws, Henry joined the Mesa Rotary Club in 1963 and later became a founding member of the Mesa Baseline Rotary Club when it was established in 1964. He served on the board of directors and as club president during the 1972–1973 term. Henry remained an active and dedicated Rotarian until 2013, embodying the club’s spirit of service and community leadership. In addition to his work with Rotary, Henry contributed his time and energy to organizations such as the Mesa Chamber of Commerce, YMCA, United Way, and other civic initiatives.

Henry’s dedication to public service began in 1963, when he served as Vice Chairman for Legislative District 8-B. In 1967, he was elected to the Mesa Board of Freeholders, tasked with drafting the Mesa City Charter to guide the city’s governance. Shortly after, he was appointed by the Mesa Mayor to serve on the Mesa Planning and Zoning Board, where he contributed for approximately three years before resigning to pursue a larger role in public service.

In 1968, Henry successfully ran for the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and assumed office on January 1, 1969. He served for two and a half terms (10 years), including three years as Chairman of the Board. His time on the Board was marked by significant contributions to county development and governance.

Henry later resigned from the Board of Supervisors to run for Arizona Secretary of State, though the campaign was ultimately unsuccessful. Undeterred, he continued his political service and was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives in District 21, where he served for two consecutive two-year terms. After four impactful years in the Legislature, Henry chose not to seek reelection, shifting his focus back to his family, business, and community service.

Through each stage of his political service, Henry brought his dedication, integrity, and thoughtful leadership to every role, leaving a lasting legacy in local and state governance.

In his later years, Henry focused on his family, faith, business, and his beloved garden.

Henry was preceded in death by his loving wife, Edna, who passed away in January 2024, and his son, Henry Harrison Haws Jr., who passed away shortly after birth in 1966.

Together, Henry and Edna raised six children: LauraJo Richins (Don), Anne Faber (Tony), Allen Haws (Beth), Helen Carling (Todd), Tricia Anner (Michael), and Reed Haws (Elena). Their legacy includes 27 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

Henry’s legacy lives on through his family, the communities he served, and the landscapes he carefully designed—each one a testament to his vision, dedication, and love for those around him.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all who have shared their love and support during this time.

Funeral Services:

Saturday, January 11, 2025

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1852 N Stapley Dr, Mesa, AZ 85203

Visitation: 9:00 am – 10:15 am

Services: 10:30 am

Internment Mesa City Cemetery, 12:00 pm, 1212 N Center, Mesa, AZ 85201

Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/92082662239

Arrangements by Horizon Funeral Care.