Obituary of Edward Haefliger

Edward Thomas Haefliger, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on December 28, 2025. His life was defined by service, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to the communities and people he cared for. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and raised in Rio Linda, California. At 18, he joined the United States Coast Guard, serving aboard the USS White Bush and stationed in Astoria, Oregon. After receiving an honorable discharge, he returned to California and began work as a civil servant. Inspired by his grandfather and hero, Thomas William Meehan, Ed followed the family tradition and became a fireman—beginning a distinguished career that would span decades. Ed served with the UC Davis Fire Department before becoming a fire captain for the City of Sacramento. In 1977, drawn to the forests and coastline of the Pacific Northwest, he moved his family to Shelton, Washington. There, he continued his calling as a fire lieutenant with the City of Shelton Fire Department serving the community for 15 years until his retirement. Fire service was more than a job to Ed—it was a vocation. He believed deeply in preparation, teamwork, and the responsibility that comes with being the person others rely on in their worst moments. He taught college-level fire safety, mentored younger firefighters, and carried forward the values of professionalism that defined his career. His influence lives on in the firefighters he trained, the colleagues he supported, and the communities he protected. Ed was never one to hold just a single job. He owned a landscape business, built homes alongside his longtime friend Cy, and for more than 25 years owned and operated Oakland Shellfish Company. His hands were always busy, and his mind was always working—teaching, building, creating, and contributing. Outside of his professional life, Ed was an accomplished horse and mule packer, writer, and teacher. For 23 years he volunteered with Washington State Parks, logging more than 10,000 hours. In partnership with the Department of Natural Resources, he founded the “Great Gravel Pack-In,” a project that improved trails in Capital Forest. His approach to stock was grounded in fairness, patience, and consistency—qualities that mirrored the way he lived his life. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Edward “Pat” and Lorraine Haefliger. He is survived by his devoted wife, Sue Haefliger; his children and stepchildren Anne Marie (Tony) Masias, Thomas (Jasmine) Haefliger, Traci Pomodoro, and Kevin Arnold; and his cherished grandchildren Gabriel and Isabella Masias, Cameron and Fiona Haefliger, AJ and Piper Pomodoro, and Devon and Adele Arnold. He is also survived by his siblings Daniel Haefliger, Mary Lecker, and Cathy Slater, along with many nieces, nephews, and countless friends he treated like family. A memorial service will be held Sunday, February 1st at 1:00 p.m. at South Mason Fire & Rescue Fire Hall, 2970 SE Arcadia Rd., Shelton, WA 98584. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ed’s name to: Mason County Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 2394 PO Box 572 Shelton, WA 98584 Ed Haefliger will be deeply missed—and long remembered for his decades of service, curiosity, sense of adventure and love of a good story.