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Founder of the Saginaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, William H. Haithco Sr., dies at 88


William H. Haithco Sr.’s dream was to unite Saginaw County families in a setting where they could have picnics and enjoy the outdoors without having to drive far. In 1969, Haitcho founded the Saginaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, serving as chairman from 1972 to February 1999. Haithco Recreation Area, 2727 Schust in Saginaw Township, is named in his honor.

Haithco owned and operated Haithco Prescription Pharmacy at North 12th and Wadsworth until the construction of Interstate 675 in the 1960s forced him to shut its doors. He then worked as a pharmacist at the former Saginaw General Hospital (which combined with St. Lukes to form Covenant Medical Center in 1998). After open heart surgery forced his retirement in 1986, he moved to Fayetteville, Ga. to live with his daughter, Shari L. Clarke.

Formerly of Saginaw and Lansing, Haitho was born in Saginaw on February 7, 1923, to William Joseph Haithco and Lady Celes Dabney Haithco, both of whom preceded him in death.  He was also predeceased by an infant daughter, Shelley Marie, and a son, William H. Haithco II.

Haithco graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1940. Upon his honorable discharge from the army, he attended Michigan State College (presently MSU) graduating in 1950 and the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy graduating in 1952.

Haithco received numerous community, state, and national awards related to his professional role, community service, and volunteerism. The William H. Haithco Student Community Service Award was created in 2002 by the Michigan Pharmacy Foundation in honor of his years of service to his community and to the profession of pharmacy. He was also president of the University Of Michigan College Of Pharmacy Alumni Board Of Governors and received the status as an honored alumnus of Arthur Hill High School in 1994.

In 2007, Haithco published an autobiography, “From the Farm to the Pharmacist and Beyond.”
Haithco leaves a son, Jai Haithco of Smyrna, Ga., a daughter, Shari Clark of Fayetteville, Ga., and three grandchildren.

 

 

 

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