Pelosi Statement Honoring Peter Haas

Pelosi Statement Honoring Peter Haas

December 6, 2005

Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise to pay tribute to a great friend and great American, Peter E. Haas , Senior, for a lifetime of leadership. Peter Haas , who, with his brother Walter, led the renowned blue jean empire Levi Strauss, died at the age of 86 on December 3 in San Francisco. His extraordinary life will forever serve to enrich the lives of all of us living in the San Francisco Bay Area. Known for his integrity, honesty and modesty, Mr. Haas was distinguished in the business world for his unyielding commitment to corporate ethics and for championing blue collar workers.

Mr. Haas was born in San Francisco in 1918 to Elise Stern Haas and Walter A. Haas , Senior, the third generation of his family to lead the family business. Mr. Haas' great granduncle, Levi Strauss, created blue jeans as working pants for gold miners in the 1850s.

Mr. Haas graduated from UC Berkeley in 1940 with a bachelor's degree in economics and from Harvard Business School in 1943. In 1945, he joined his brother Walter at Levi Strauss, commencing a 60-year career. In 1953, Time magazine named the two brothers Leaders of Tomorrow. Peter Haas focused on the company's operations and finance, while his brother Walter focused on marketing and advertising. Peter Haas served as president of the company from 1970 to 1981 and chief executive officer from 1976 to 1981. In 1981, Financial World magazine named Mr. Haas Chief Executive Officer of the Year. Under their leadership, the Haas brothers' leadership, the company experienced massive growth and expansion. As the baby boomers hit their teenage years, they capitalized on the growing popularity of blue jeans.

With the first Levi Strauss manufacturing plants in southern States, Mr. Haas took a stand against segregation, refusing to allow separate working areas for black and white workers and demanding equal treatment for all employees. His ethics did not hinder the company's success. In 1945, Levi Strauss consisted of three small factories in the San Francisco Bay Area and $2 million in denim sales. By the time Mr. Haas left his position as board chairman in the late 1980s, sales had reached $3.1 billion in 50 countries.

Mr. Haas used his business sense and financial success for public service, working with numerous foundations and service organizations, including the San Francisco Foundation, the Jewish Community Federation, and the United Way. Through the Miriam and Peter Haas Fund, he contributed millions of dollars to the arts, public policy programs, and health and human services. The Haases gave millions to provide high-quality, early childhood development programs to low-income families.

Peter Haas served as a UC Berkeley Foundation trustee for 12 years and was the university's most avid donor and fund-raiser. He and Walter built the Haas School of Business in honor of their father, Walter Haas , Senior. In 1996, Peter Haas received the Berkeley Medal, the school's top honor, and was named Alumnus of the Year. Mr. Haas never missed a home football game or basketball game. He was preparing to attend a UC Berkeley game Saturday when he fell ill.

San Francisco is forever indebted to Peter for his immeasurable contributions. It is with great personal sadness that I offer my deepest sympathy to his wife, Mimi; his sons, Peter and Michael; his daughter, Margaret; his stepsons, Ari and Daniel Lurie; his four grandchildren, Jennifer Haas -Dehejia, Daniel, Bradley, and Nicholas; and one great-grandchild, Maya Cady Haas -Dehejia. I hope that it is a comfort to Peter's family that so many people mourn their loss and are praying for them at this sad time.