George A. Haas ’40

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution headline, “Survivor of polio, ‘gentleman’,” announced George’s death Jan. 2, 2007.

George, whom some of us knew as “Mule,” had established his law practice in Atlanta in the fall of 1952 when he came down with a high fever. Diagnosed with polio, he nearly died. Doctors told him he would never walk again. “Dad proved them wrong,” his son, Thomas, said.

He prepared at Boys’ High School in Atlanta and the Lawrenceville School. At Princeton, he majored in economics and SPIA, graduating with second-group departmental honors. He was on the soccer and fencing teams, served as chairman for lacrosse, and was a member of the Glee Club, choir, Whig-Clio, and Terrace Club.

From 1941 to 1945, George served with the Army artillery, separating as a captain. In 1947, he graduated from Yale Law School. He was recognized as an authority in wills and estate planning.

George reached out to others afflicted with paralysis and disabilities, becoming president of the Georgia Easter Seal Society and, later, president of the national society.

His wife, Miriam, died in May 2006. In addition to Thomas, George is survived by his daughter, Karen Davenport; a sister, Barbara Rothchild; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.