Kathryn Anne Strand

Kathy was born in San Bernardino, California on May 28, 1943. She was a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara, receiving a degree in History, and earned a master’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley in Library Science.

For several years following her graduation, Kathy enjoyed great travel adventures in the US and abroad, as well as building her career in information retrieval and library science in Northern California. In 1968, Kathy moved to Boulder. Her job search here included an interview with the High Altitude Observatory, at that time a part of the Astrophysics Department of the University of Colorado. They were seeking a scientific librarian, and to her good fortune as well as theirs, she was offered and accepted the job. Kathy remained connected to the world of astrophysics throughout her career. The High Altitude Observatory was absorbed by the National Center for Atmospheric Research, which precipitated a move to NCAR’s Mesa Laboratory and the beginning of her lengthy career there and many lifelong friendships. In recognition of Kathy’s organizational skills and knowledge of the Observatory’s scientific programs, she was tapped in 1985 to lead division administration for the Observatory. She was responsible for most of the division’s financial and administrative operations. She was also actively involved in NCAR’s administrative council, which played a key role in developing and reviewing institutional policies.

The next phase of Kathy’s career was as the Director of Budget and Administration for the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) Office of Programs. Known for her knowledge of funding agencies and institutional policies, she served as liaison to the many scientific and educational programs, advising and supporting their operations in administrative and fiscal management. Her broad talents and understanding of the organization lead her to the final phase of her career as a special assistant to the office of the UCAR president. Her work during those years ran the gamut from developing proposals to National Science Foundation for UCAR and NCAR funding to program reviews and staffing matters.

Kathy was a generous colleague, and a true jack of all trades who comfortably mastered them all. Colleagues and friends who admired her expertise, and deeply appreciated her guidance, also enjoyed her sense of humor and good company.

Kathy loved to read, consuming at least three newspapers a day, and enjoyed following local and national politics. She successfully managed the State Representative campaign for David Skaggs in 1982, which later led to David’s election to the U.S. Congress. Kathy served for several years on the Chautauqua Board of Directors, including as Chair. She enjoyed walking the trails in the park and in the surrounding neighborhoods with her husband and friends. In her retirement, she and her husband Eldon enjoyed extensive travels to National Parks and throughout the US, as well as to many countries in Europe. The Napali Coast in Hawaii was their favorite place to relax, read, and toast the sunset every evening.

Kathy is survived by her husband Eldon Haakinson, her sister Susan Strand Johnson of Austin, Texas, and her sister Mary Nicholson of Durango, CO. Additional survivors include her step- daughters, Megan (Jonathan) Brooks of Denver and Kimberly (Tom) Kelley of San Diego, CA; nieces Nina Johnson (Mike) Huber of Austin, Tx., Anna (Bill) Packer of Louisville, CO., and Emily Nicholson of San Francisco, CA.; grandchildren Greyson, Hunter and Kendall Brooks, and Harper and Payton Kelley; and grand nieces and nephews Andrew and Sarah Huber, and Julia and James Packer.

A memorial service will be held at a date to be determined in the spring.