Harry Clifford De Haan VI

Harry Clifford De Haan, VI, passed away peacefully at his home in Filer on Thursday, January 8, after a courageous and valiant battle with cancer. His time came peacefully, surrounded by his family, at the age of 80 years.

Harry was born on February 6, 1945 to Harry and Dorothy De Haan in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was the fourth of ten children and the first son born to his parents. He was raised in the middle of the Dutch immigrant, working-class community surrounded by a large extended family. Harry spent his childhood as “Little Harry” and joined his father, “Big Harry” at a young age working on the produce market of Chicago and in his father’s construction business. These years spent working alongside his own father solidified Harry’s strong and unbending work ethic.

Harry graduated from high school in 1963 and worked for several years before serving in the Army during the Vietnam War. His duty in Vietnam included flying helicopters in combat and combat-support missions. Harry flew numerous missions over hostile, dangerous fighting conditions. He was awarded the Air Medal for his bravery and heroism over many mission flights, in addition to several other medals. Harry would not speak often about his experiences in Vietnam. But he would remark that he never felt such a level of relief as he did on his flight leaving Vietnam, bound for Alaska, and how the chocolate milk the stewardess served was the best drink of his life.

Upon returning to Michigan, Harry graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Husbandry. While at Michigan State, he was a proud member of the Block and Bridle Club and rodeoed as a saddle bronc rider. Harry then attended the Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law, earning his Juris Doctorate. After law school, Harry moved to Hobbs, New Mexico where he practiced as a criminal defense attorney.

Eager for a more Western way of life, Harry moved to the Magic Valley, Idaho in the late 1970s and began what was a very successful legal career. He was appointed the Twin Falls County Prosecutor in the early 1980s and opened his own private practice in 1984. Harry would go on to practice law for nearly the next forty years, representing many clients, including a class action lawsuit against Cargill Corporation. Many of his daughters’ memories center on being with him in his daily practice. Whether at the office, in court, or in other various legal-related matters, he always made room for his daughters and included them in his life. And he often did all of this in socks, having kicked off his dress shoes at some point during the day.

Outside of the law, Harry – being the consummate entrepreneurial Dutchman – was also involved in the dairy business. He owned several dairies throughout his life and loved the business of dairying immensely. His other love was, of course, horses. He was an avid horseman from an early age and owned and showed Reined Cowhorses and Cutters until the day he passed. He was heavily involved in numerous horse associations and gained many friends and acquaintances through the horse industry. 

Harry is survived by his daughters Jennifer (Trent) Cummins, Katherine (Keegan) Conro, granddaughter Madison Conro and his love, Susan Schwabacher. He is also survived by his siblings Nick De Haan, Ruth Cain, Betsy De Haan, Brenda Stevens and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Dorothy De Haan and siblings Gladys Schipper, Joyce Puls, Joann DeGood, Herman De Haan, and Marilyn Welsh.

In 2023, Harry was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He met that diagnosis with a quiet strength, poise and heroism that was such a part of his character. He fought hard and with eternal optimism. And now, we are so happy for him that he is reunited once again with his family, especially his mom, dad, and brother Herman. So many people extended their love and support to Dad during this time and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. But especially Dr. Thibault and everyone at the St. Luke’s Magic Valley Cancer Institute and Hospice Visions. We know Dad could be a fierce patient to have and we thank you for all you did for him. Finally, we thank Susan Schwabacher and the Schwabacher and Modic Families for your undying love, support and protection of Dad.

In lieu of flowers, Harry’s daughters ask that you donate to the American Cancer Society or the Twin Falls County Fair Foundation.

A viewing for Harry will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Wilks Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301. Harry will be laid to rest on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 10:00 am at the Snake River Canyon National Cemetery, 1585 East Elm Street, Buhl, ID 83316. Harry's memorial service will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 12:00 pm at Wilks Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301. The memorial service will be live-streamed. Click Here to View Memorial Service. 

We’ll love and miss you always Dad.

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