Jurgen Fred Haver

Keeper of the Books Jurgen Fred Haver, 83, died on April 22, 2016 from a heart attack, while at home. He lived a full life as a writer, business consultant, teacher, father, husband and much more. Jurgen’s mother had given him books as rewards and presents when he was a child. She died when he was just twelve years old, but by then she had instilled a deep love of books and the quest for knowledge. Jurgen owned over 10,000 books at the time of his death. And, in a moving van some 20 years ago, thieves stole the vehicle only to find that it contained another 10,000 books! Not only did Jurgen collect them, he studied them all. He organized them and knew how to find any book on his 28 bookshelves. Jurgen advised governors and dentists, doctors and artists with a wisdom gleaned from study, faith, and his brilliant mind. He used humor to make others feel at ease. Even when, he was in great pain while having teeth removed, he joked with those around him. “So they would want to give him the best service,” he said. This man never felt he was “above” anyone. He worked as a shoe salesman and in a department store. He worked on a dock, where his co-workers felt bad that he didn’t have a washing machine, and delivered one as a surprise. He wrote books. He taught at the high school and college level. He was a personal advisor to Gary Johnson while Gary was the Governor of New Mexico. Gary said, “He’s the smartest man I’ve ever met.” At the Capital in Santa Fe, Jurgen was known as “Yoda.” Jurgen helped raise three sets of children. Most recently he has been the father-figure for Peter, age 20, and Brigit, age 16. His greatest gift was to teach others how to laugh, to think and to love. Jurgen had a deep faith and always sought the Truth. His favorite saying was, “Either God is God, or man is god. It can’t be both.” He loved to answer the phone. People would ask, “Is Judith there?” and Jurgen would say, “Let me see if she’s here,” then he’d call out, “Judith are you here?” He suffered from 2 previous heart attacks and has experienced declining health over the past 10 years, yet he continued to consult with one business and to support a family. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his children—Roark, Kraig, Shawn, Jason Haver, Kyra Schneider, Peter Brown and Brigit Brown and 8 grandchildren-- and his wife, Judith Costello. In lieu of flowers send donations to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, PO Box 129, Moriarty, NM 87035, 505-832-6655. The rosary will be at on Thurs., April 28 at 10am, with the Mass to follow at 11, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Moriarty.