"My deepest condolences to Brian?s family. I worked for Brian as an intern in Congressman McCloskey?s Evansville office during the summer of 1987. Brian was a great guy who cared deeply about helping people. I considered him a mentor. We have lost a good, kind, respectful man. "
In loving memory of
Brian K. Hasler
October 28, 1958 - April 18, 2020
Brian K. Hasler, age 61, of Indianapolis passed away peacefully on April 18, 2020. He was born October 28, 1958, in Terre Haute, Indiana, later growing up in Farmersburg, Indiana. Brian was a graduate of Terre Haute South Vigo High School and Indiana State University.
His professional career included working for: Townsend for Governor; the Indiana State Senate; Congressman Lee Hamilton; Congressman Bill Patman of Texas; Congressman Frank McCloskey; the Indiana Department of Commerce; Indiana State University as government relations assistant to President Dan Bradley; and as a lobbyist and project developer/manager for Hasler Consulting; Capitol Assets; and Beebe, Scherer and Associates.
Brian used his creative mind and energies to create the Victoria, Texas Democrat Club; Crane Economic Development Organization; U.S 41 Growth Corridor; Southern Indiana Recycling Initiative; Federal Eighth District Contracting Opportunities; and the Frank O'Bannon Service Award Program. He was also responsible for the recruitment of the first off-site facility of the Allison Engine Company in Evansville and for promoting the construction of Interstate I-69.
Brian served as President of: the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Chapter of ISU College Democrats; the College Democrats of Indiana; the Victoria Democrat Club; and the Evansville Number One Toastmasters Club. He also served on various boards, including the: Evansville Minority Supplier Development Council; Evansville Small Business Incubator; Timmy Foundation; Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra; Farrington Grove Neighborhood Association; and Butler-Tarkington Neighborhood Association. Brian organized the naming of the Evansville Convention Hall after community leader Bill Brooks. He also played a role in saving the historic West Baden Springs Hotel and the Evansville Farmers Market.
In 1996 Brian was elected State Representative for District 77 representing Evansville in the Indiana General Assembly and served until 2004. While a legislator, Brian was responsible for passage of : the Youth Access to Tobacco Act; the Workforce Development Act; landlord/tenant reform; and the Evansville Airport Development Zone. As the first chairman of the House Technology Committee, he passed a blueprint for implementation of technology in the State of Indiana. Brian was the recipient of nine "Legislator of the Year" awards during his time of service, as well as a Sagamore of the Wabash and a Kentucky Colonel. He also had the privilege of representing our state in a trade mission to Japan.
Brian was a founder/co-founder of three notable organizations: the Association of Retired Members of the Indiana General Assembly; the Indiana Racing Memorial Association; and the American Racing Memorial Association.
Brian was the author of two children's books "Casper and Catherine Move to America; the adventures of an immigrant family coming to America in 1849-50" and "The Story of Sycamore Sam." He also wrote a screenplay about the life of Indy 500 winner Bill Vukovich. He produced a documentary film about the Hasler family surviving during the great depression and created a video collection of photographs of his mother's family starting in Wales and lasting over the next 100 years, and organized the 150th Hasler Family Reunion in 1999 at which over 500 family members from around the nation gathered.
Brian is predeceased by his parents Kenneth and Marjorie Hasler. He is survived by his children Hugh, Harry, and Rowan Hasler; his sisters Marcia Hasler and Joyce (Gary) Clinkenbeard; nieces Elisa Halpin and Kristin (Eric) McCorkle; great-nephew Samuel Halpin; and great-nieces Eleanor, Adeline, and Corinne McCorkle.
Brian's greatest joy was being a father to his loving children, who meant the world to him. Hugh, Harry, and Rowan, you will always have someone looking down over you, someone who loves you with all of his heart. Brian also was a valued colleague, and loyal friend. He will be greatly missed by all. The family would like to thank all the staff at St. Vincent Hospice Inpatient Unit for the loving care they gave Brian these last months.
Due to these unprecedented times, there will be a private burial with graveside service at Crown Hill Cemetery at this time. A celebration of life will be held later this year. Memorial contributions can be made in Brian's name to the St. Vincent Foundation, Attention: St. Vincent Hospice or to the IU Simon Cancer Center.
Tributes
"I was very sorry to hear of Brian's passing. I did not know Brian well, but worked with him when he was a representative out of the Evansville area. He was always supportive of teachers and public education, both in the Evansville area and the state of Indiana. We have lost a good person. Best wishes to his children and family during this difficult period."
"Brian's family, you are in my thoughts. He was a wonderful person I had the pleasure to work with as a colleague in Congressman McCloskey's office. I was shocked and sorry to hear of his passing. He definitely leaves a legacy of many accomplishments and touched many lives. Best to you in this difficult time. Julio Alonso, Bloomington IN."
"Hugh, Harry, and Rowan, please know that you will be in my prayers. Your dad was a warm and kind man, and he will be deeply missed. "
"My deepest condolences to Brian's Loving family and friends. Very Great man, a pleasure to care for. Prayers for strength and peace. Stenetta Richardson LPN ST. Vincent Hospice Hospital"
"Brian, you were the finest legislator, a role model for me and other who came after you. You showed through your actions a commitment to the values important in society - honor, respect and equality for all. Rest, Brian, know you were loved. "
"Brian, you lived a great life and contributed so much to this world. I am sorry you had to suffer in your final days. We had some great times over the past 35-years. I will miss your fountain of ideas and boundless energy."
"Hugh, Harry, Rowan, Marcia and Joyce you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you in this time of loss. Thank-you Brain for all you did for the Hasler family over the years. Brain may you rest in peace."