My Heart Aches……
Today, I’m writing to Dennis’s dear friends, Dennis’s loving family and loved ones, writing these words with deep sadness in my heart, but trying to make you all feel honored and special for knowing the amazing person that Dennis was. He showed us that no matter how hard life can be, we must all learn from it every day and embrace every moment of it because we never know how or when it’s gonna end.
Last night Dennis Haughn left this world. He died peacefully after a long painful battle with bone cancer. I guess many of us really didn’t know how serious these last few months had become because he didn’t want us to worry or feel sorry for him. He was proud of who he was and the strength he possessed. I think as this insidious disease gained on him, it hurt because he had no power to stop it.
I know Dennis is in a better place now, without illness and pain, but I still miss him terribly. Everyone I’ve talked to have said the same thing about Dennis….”He was bigger than life.” Yes he was a big man….but his heart and smile was his calling card. He would make anyone, friend or foe, feel welcome. His non judgmental style was so unique that everyone was worth saving. Everyone had something positive to give.
For me he coached tight ends and kickers. He was an incredible role model for so many young men. We had so many kickers go on to college and become tremendous success stories. (You can read about some of them in an earlier blog)
If any person or family was in need….he was the first to open his wallet. He never wanted any recognition for his help…..it embarrassed him if anyone found out. His humility at times pissed me off…..because I wanted people to know who he really was!
Finally, I must thank you Dennis, for having such an impact on my life, and making it rich with your friendship. Have a great journey up there buddy, I’m sure we’ll meet again. I love you.
Talk Soon….Jim
I was so sad to hear the news! Dennis was a great man, colleague and teacher. May he Rest In Peace.
So sorry to hear about the passing of Dennis. I knew him well enough to always enjoy seeing him……..usually at a restaurant or a golf course, it seemed like. He would always ask me how my son, Sam and his family were doing..He was such a respectful and pleasant man. He was a good coach and one of the really “good” guys.
I’m sure he will be missed by all that knew him. The thoughts and prayers of my family are with Dennis and his family.
I had tears in my eyes yesterday when I tried to comment. I can’t tell you how much Coach Haughn meant to our family. He took Shaun under his wing and taught him all he knew about kicking. He also taught him about life. Because of this Shaun was able to attend a 4 year University in a full scholarship and became a better man. Coach and Mrs. Haughn will always have a special place in the hearts of the McClain family. Shaun wrote a note on his FB page… look it up if you haven’t seen it. We love you Coach Haughn…. RIP… until we see you again…💕🥰
So sad to hear this! I grew up with Kevin (Dennis’s oldest son) and we were quite close in high school. My thoughts and prayers are with the whole Haughn family! RIP Dennis!
Amazing man. Always made sure i was doing good. Grew up with his daughter as well. Coach new me before my 95 -99 years at RHS. He will be missed. Much love and respect to all my coaches.
He was a great coach and a great man.
Awww i loved him!! Such a loss but at least his soul can rest without pain! He will be remembered forever as a wonderful Teacher & Coach ♡
It hurts to hear this and your news as well Sir. I can’t thank you and the rest of the coaches enough for everything you taught us. It was far beyond the game and more about life. Stay disciplined, work hard especially when no one is looking, sacrifice for others, stay humble, etc. I still use all of it today at home and work. Thank you. Give my love. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
One of the realest Coaches I ever met rest well
I was so sad to hear the news of his passing. Dennis was a great man with the best hugs you could get. He gave great Daddy hugs. He never passed through the office without stopping to give a hug. I am praying for his family as they go through this difficult time. May you Rest In Peace dear Dennis.
Thank you, Jim, for the beautifully written tribute to an outstanding person.
Beautiful tribute to Dennis, Jim. My ESL students loved him. He didn’t need words to communicate his kindness, caring, and acceptance of his students. He was a wonderful human being.
What a great man. Dennis you will be missed. A wonderful husband and loving Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with the Haughn family.
Prayers for his family. Such an intense loss.
My sincere condolences to The Haughn Family.. I had the opportunity to meet this superb family at Smiley Elementary. Peace and comfort to each. Great Man. ❤
I absolutely loved this man! With all my rough exterior, he made the time and made a point to talk to me, on a real level. one on one with no BS. My heart aches for his family and loved ones.
He was my favorite teacher in high school. He was always so nice to me. I will miss him so much. He used to call all of the girls in my class cuties. He was a wonderful man.
Awwww, Coach Walker. Such a wonderful tribute. Coach Haughn would be SO honored and pleased with all of these special and touching accolades
What a lovely tribute to a sweet and kind soul.
God speed Couch Haughn. You will be missed.
Thank you so much Coach Walker. My dad absolutely loved being a coach. And I know he would appreciate the kind words from everyone…
Sorry to hear of your loss. I worked with your Dad at Moore. He was a great man. He will be missed.
So sorry to hear your loss of such a kind father, teacher, and Coach.
Coach Walker that was a Beautiful Tribute to such A Wonderful Man who will be missed dearly.
I remember him when I was in 9th grade. He always called the guys “knucklehead” and the girls “sweetheart” or “princess”. But he was the most amazing person ever. He will be missed dearly. Rest in peace Mr. Haughn!
“Bonehead!” Still can hear the yell that boys like myself were up to no good in class. He always pushed us to be better, because he knew we had so much potential. Thank you coach Haughn
SUCH AN AMAZING MAN INSIDE AND OUT. AWSOME TEACHER COACH AND ROLE MODEL. ITS A SAD DAY FOR ALL WHO KNEW HIM. SAD DAY FOR REDLANDS
I attended Redlands Highschool, and lived in SoCal for only 1 year out of 25. Coach Haughn was the only instructor that has left any impression on me from this school system. A man I genuinely felt cared about me. A man that genuinely cared for his students. God Speed Coach Haughn, the world is a better place because of your influence. I thank you for being a part of my life. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family in this trying time.
“When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.”
Coach Haughn!!! Thank you for all that you’ve done. You’ve made an impact to succeed for me and others in many ways!!! Its a blessing to have known you as my coach from middle (Moore ‘97) school to high (RHS ‘99) school!!! Prayers for the Haughn Family.
Beautifully written. Thank you, Coach Walker. He was such an amazing man and this immense loss has been devastating . Reading all of these comments really helps remind me how loved he was by so many people and the impact he had on them. Our Dad absolutely loved being a teacher and coach. He will be greatly missed by all.
Dennis, you were one of my favorite teachers! You cared and always encouraged me. Your big heart was always on display in your big love for each student. Grateful to have been a recipient of your love. God bless your family!
I grew up in Fullerton with Dennis. To say he was special is an understatement. I watched him blossom into adulthood,and of course into an epic athlete. His exploits on the gridiron were jaw dropping, wow what a star he was. He led our high school to an undefeated season his senior year, was all cif first team, and was the leading scorer in all of Orange County. He is one of the most unforgettable people I have ever met, and I am so thankful that I was able to be one of his friends. Rest in peace my Brother!!!
Well said coach walker….his large, and at times intimidating stature, always seemed smaller once he gave you that smile. So honored to have known him and to be a part of his terrier family. RIP Coach. You will be missed.
Thank you Coach Walker; he was a good man too soon gone. My family appreciates you both.
Rest easy Coach you were an inspiration to many. I don’t remember a single day that I ever seen anything but a smile on your face. I pray that your family finds peace in the end to your suffering. Will remember you always. Until we meet again.
We knew him as next door neighbors in Fullerton and the friendship only grew stronger thru many years. Watching his kids grow up and become the amazing adults they are today is a wonderful tribute to he and Janie both. We loved him dearly and will miss him very much! Love and sympathy…Bart and Jeanni Oakden
Coach Haughn has crossed my mind time and time again over the last years. I often find myself implementing the techniques he taught me in my current life. Lol He like many of the coaches that have mentored at Redlands, are literal heroes who fill fatherly roles for not only their own families but others as well. This one cuts a little. But I know also that Coach is in a wonderful place. Condolences to All y’all✌🏾
Our hearts break for the Haughn family. Dennis was the embodiment of kindness. He and Janie always made you smile. Their joy was infectious. We will miss that hug of the big guy!