Remembering Buddha

Blair Setford • August 29, 2022

Daniel “Buddha” Haas
Feb. 26, 1948 – Aug. 17, 2022


MADISON - Daniel “Buddha” Haas, age 74, of Madison, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022 while attending the 76th annual ISC World Tournament in Moline, Ill. He was born on Feb. 26, 1948, in Madison, the son of Roman and Elma (Keating) Haas.


Buddha graduated from Madison West High School with the class of 1966. After retiring from the U.S. Postal service, he split his time enjoying warm summers in Wisconsin and leaving the cold winters for the warmer weather in California.


Buddha lived and breathed softball, both men’s and women’s fast pitch, and his T shirt and hat collections are evidence of that. He enjoyed attending softball tournaments across North America and always closed out the season at the International Softball Congress World Tournament. In 2022, Buddha attended his 50th ISC World Tournament where his presence was larger than anyone’s, even the players. His knowledge of the game transcended decades. Over the years he was an icon and legendary figure at all the ball parks as not only a fan and spectator, but he also served as a scorekeeper, PA announcer, games controller and helped in the selection of the All-World Teams. Buddha became involved with the San Jose State Women's Softball Team and was always proud and honored to be a part of the softball family.


He was an avid sports fan and strong supporter of the UW Badgers, hockey, football and basketball teams and rarely missed watching the San Francisco Giants and Green Bay Packers.


Daniel was a one-of-a-kind friend to many and each of those friends hold a special place in his heart. Although Buddha did not have any siblings or children of his own, he became a friend, brother, father, and grandfather figure to many people around the globe. The list of people who impacted Buddha’s life and who he touched is endless but special condolences go out to Liz and Colleen Gorman, Dean Oscar, Karen Conrod and her sons Cody and Kyler Johnson, The Turner Family (Pete, Kim, Chase, Alexis, Mia, and Ryanne), The Heffley Family (Russ, Jennifer, Morgan, Kristen and Allison) and Denny Baribeau. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roman and Elma and Peter “Petey” Turner.


Buddha touched so many in such a very positive and special way. There is a hole in our lives today, however his presence and impact will live on. Cherish the great memories we all have and may they support us all during this time of loss.


A Celebration of Life will be held in Madison (date and location to be confirmed)


A donation in memory of Buddha will be made to The ISC Carrol Forbes Foundation. Those interested in sending a memorial can send a cheque to


Karen Conrod (In memory of Buddha)

1605 Gateway Drive

West Sacramento, CA 95691

or

Venmo to @Karen-Conrod


Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson Fitchburg 
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002




By Brian Eradus July 31, 2025
By Blair Setford July 30, 2025
The ISC is excited to announce the 2027 World Tournament is awarded to Bear Creek Sports & Entertainment! Bear Creek Sports & Entertainment’s new two-diamond complex, the JDT First Energy Veterans Memorial Fields on Chippewa-of-the-Thames First Nation, in southwest Ontario will be the main facility with additional games being played in Glencoe at Southwest Middlesex Recreation Complex. “We are really looking forward to visiting Bear Creek’s new venue to play our 2027 ISC World Tournament,” says ISC President Chris Santos. “We’ve always enjoyed going to new locations to showcase our great game of men’s fastpitch softball.” “Bear Creek Sports & Entertainment has a brand new ball park that they’ve built and they’re excited to show off this great facility to the softball world and to welcome all of the teams and the fans,” said Gregg Leather, manager of the Bear Creek Gremlins, on behalf of Bear Creek Sports & Entertainment. “We’re looking forward to building on the success that the Bear Creek organization is developing and everyone is really committed to making this a huge success,” continued Leather. “With the players who will be living and staying in the area for the summer, we’ll have the opportunity to do clinics and play in leagues and help the game to grow. There’s already a lot of great ideas.” It’s expected that there will be 36 teams competing for the ISC World Championship and the ISC II Championship with another 12-16 teams playing in the ISC 50+ Legends division. Teams and fans will be able to book accommodations in London, St. Thomas or Strathroy. For fans in the fastpitch hotbed of Ontario, it will be back-to-back ISC World Tournaments in their backyard. The 2026 ISC World Tournament will be played from August 8-15 in Kitchener. For more information on the ISC, please visit www.iscfastpitch.com. You can follow Bear Creek Sports & Entertainment on Facebook and other social media platforms.