Br. Martin Charshaf

BROTHER HAIG MARTIN CHARSHAF, FSC died at Seton Memorial Hospital in Daly City, CA on April 1, 2012, at the age of eighty-two. He was a member of the De La Salle Christian Brothers for sixty-five years. He was born in San Francisco, CA on October 16, 1929 to Martin Haig and Gladys Evelyn Burns Charshaf. Brother Haig attended Guadalupe Elementary School and Epiphany Grammar School and graduated from Sacred Heart High School in June 1947, having finished his final semester at the Mont La Salle Juniorate in Napa, CA. He entered the novitiate on June 10, 1947, received the religious habit on August 14, 1947. He pronounced his final vows on July 25, 1954 at Mont La Salle. He was an alumnus from St. Mary?s College in 1951 and went on to receive Masters degrees in Philosophy/History from Fordham University in New York in 1960 and Spirituality from the University of San Francisco in 1982. Br. Haig began his career as an educator at St. Peter?s High School in San Francisco in 1951. He went on to serve in school ministry at Garces Memorial High School in Bakersfield (1952-54); Saint Mary?s College High School in Berkeley (1954-56); and Bishop Armstrong HS, Sacramento, (1957-63). After a time in Rome for a year of retreat and a year as Director of the Senior Scholasticate for the Brothers at Saint Mary?s College (1963-65), he returned to Sacramento as Principal to lead the transition of Bishop Armstrong High School (1965-69) to Christian Brothers High School (1969-70). After two years at Saint Mary?s College managing the new Computer Center (1970-72), he returned to school principalship at La Salle High School, Pasadena (1972-73) before returning to the College administration (1973-79). After a another return to high school ministry at San Joaquin Memorial High School in Fresno (1980-84) Br. Haig was asked to assist the Diocese of Oakland in their business office and other special projects (1984-2004). In recent years, Br. Haig actively engaged in the life of Epiphany parish and kept up an active correspondence with Brothers, family and friends. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity and outreach to those in need, as well as for a good sense of humor and quick wit. Brother Haig is survived by two nieces, Susan McConnel and Shelly Lange; two nephews, Timothy Charshaf and Mark Charshaf; life-long friends, Sr. Bernard Joseph, PBVM, Edward and Beth George, and Walter and Carolyn George; and his beloved caregiver, Frances Ignacio. He is preceded in death by his adopted mother, Bernadette Thompson. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 10 at the Church of the Epiphany, 827 Vienna Street, San Francisco, CA at 11:00 AM. A viewing at 10:30 AM will precede the Funeral Mass. Burial will be at the Christian Brothers Cemetery at Mont La Salle, 4401 Redwood Road, Napa, CA and a reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lasallian Education Fund, 100 Shoreline Highway, Building B, Suite 386, Mill Valley, CA.

Br. Martin Charshaf

October 16, 1929 - April 1, 2012