William Bert Haburn

William Bert Haburn, 88, passed away in his sleep on February 24, 2022. William, known as Bill, Dad, Doc Haburn, or just Doc, grew up on a farm in Iowa. He trusted in Christ as his personal Savior at a young age and was the youngest of seven children. Bill was the only child who moved across the country to Oregon with his college sweetheart, Esther, whom he lovingly called his “honey.” Bill and Esther met at Northwestern University in St. Paul and were married in Esther’s parents home in Wheatland, Wyoming, on June 15, 1954. Bill was an educator and communicator, a people person. After graduating with his master’s degree from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary, he took a teaching job at Western Baptist Bible College (now Corban University), in El Cerrito, California. In 1969, the college moved to a new campus in Salem, Oregon, where he continued to serve for 22 years. Bill went on to receive his doctorate in Adult Education from Oregon State University. He served as Academic Dean, was head of the Christian Education Department and taught many courses at Western Baptist Bible College. At age 40, he courageously changed careers and became a Financial Advisor. He mentored Kurt Morgan and over time turned his business over to Kurt. In Bill’s spare time he loved to garden and do wood working. He owned ANLU Creations, making puzzles, cars, trucks, and many other toys for his grandchildren. He also created and made many wooden products such as cutting boards, keychains, and magnets in the shape of the state of Oregon and sold them to the Made in Oregon store. Bill and Esther loved the ocean and would often get away to enjoy God’s creation. Bill ministered and mentored people throughout his life. He served as a pastor and in other leadership roles in the church. Before Bill’s fall in December of 2019, when he broke his hip, you could find Bill early in the morning riding the stationary bicycle, praying over the many requests in his notebook. He was a prayer warrior, like his mother, and will be missed. Bill is survived by his wife, Esther, of Salem, OR, children: Rachel (Philip) Stucky, serving as missionaries in Brazil, Tim (Jayne) Haburn of Salem, OR and Shiela (Mike) Uphoff of Salem, OR, 16 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who loved and appreciated Uncle Bill.