Haskell Fine

Haskell Harmon Fine, 88, of Kerrville, TX passed away on January 25, 2015. He was born in Kerr County on June 30, 1926 to Thomas C Fine, Sr. and Moselle Dozier Fine.\r\n\r\nHe attended local schools including Turtle Creek School and graduated from Tivy High School in 1944. \r\n\r\nIf there ever was or ever will be a "Mr. Kerrville" it is Haskell Fine. He truly loved Kerrville and Kerr County. Haskell will be remembered for his smile and graciousness to others regardless of age, race, religion, finances, size, shape or where you were from. Haskell was a walking wealth of knowledge about the Kerrville area and was always willing to share it with enthusiasm to anyone willing to listen. He was Kerrville's welcoming committee for many years at local restaurants especially, Luby's and the Old Republic Restaurant. His community involvement left a deep impression that will be felt for many generations. He was a member of the Noon Lion's Club for many years and held many local and district offices. He was in charge of the Duck Pond during the annual carnival held on the courthouse square each year. Haskell worked as a volunteer at the Kerrville State Hospital and was instrumental in the formation of the Volunteer Service Council and served on the board of directors for several decades. The VSC was the model that was used for other hospitals throughout the Texas State Hospital (MHMR) system. Haskell received the Volunteer of the Year award for the State of Department of MHMR Texas for his efforts. An award for outstanding volunteer at the Kerrville State Hospital was named for him. \r\n\r\nHaskell was always coming up with ways to salvage or preserve the history of the area. He and Jim Nugent came up with the idea of preserving what is now the Union Church on Schreiner University campus. The building had been moved several times and gone into disrepair after being used for various businesses. Most people did not know its' significance to the history of Kerr County as the first church building. The Kerr County Historical Commission became involved and this treasure was restored through their efforts. Haskell could not always keep every artifact from historical buildings, although he tried, he had a way of keeping as much as possible. When HEB opened their traveling replica of the original store Haskell had the original cheese wheel slicer in one of his storerooms. He had purchased it when the Castillo Grocery closed because he was fascinated by it and remembered its' history. He donated it back to the Butt family for their museum. He has numerous doors and memorabilia from the Bluebonnet Hotel, items that most people did not want at the time but later recognized the value as he did. \r\n\r\nHe loved to give to others. When he planted tomatoes, everyone got tomatoes! His driveway was lined with zinnias for many years and loved to cut some as he ran an errand and surprise people with a bouquet. If his magnolia tree had any blooms within reach they would be given to friends and neighbors. He loved to "putter" in the yard and garden. \r\n\r\nHaskell was involved in many business ventures in the area. He owed a printing business, gift shops in Kerrville and Stonewall, numerous real estate holdings and ventures and property development. His best known development was the Fine Medical Center where he took an old grocery/furniture store and a laundry building and turned them into medical related office space at one of the busiest intersections in Kerr County. Along the lines of helping people, Haskell built a company that produced Aloe Vera based products. He became interested after having a bout of stomach ulcers and was convinced to drink the juice from the leaves. They gave relief and he wanted to share this with the world. Aloe Products was started and he began having the products manufactured for him. He eventually brought the entire process to Kerrville. The business is still owned by his family over 50 years later. \r\n\r\nIn recognition for all he had done throughout the community for so many years Haskell was given the first Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003 by the Kerrville Daily Times. There have only been two such awards given as it is not an annual award. Haskell also received "Life's Treasure Award" by the Daily times and Dietert Center in 2011. \r\n\r\nHaskell was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Moselle Fine and brothers, Thomas C (T.C.) Fine, Jr and L.D. Fine.\r\n\r\nHaskell is survived by his children: Kim Fine Harwell (Dennis) of Bulverde, David Fine (Shelly) of Houston and Stephen Fine (Melissa) of Kerrville. Grandchildren: Kristine Jones Shafer (Drew), Adell Harwell Grim (Evan), Sarah Harwell Kackstetter (Adam), Brian Jones, Valerie Fine Walls (Riley), Michael Fine, Stephanie Fine, Graham Douglass, Grady Douglass, Tyler Fine, Austin Fine and McKenzie Fine.\r\n\r\nA memorial service will be held at 5:00 on February 28th at First United Methodist Church of Kerrville. \r\n\r\nMemorials may be given to the charity of one's choice. \r\n\r\n[contact-form-7 id="73" title="Send Condolences"]