Woodrow James "Woody" Hasbany

Woody HasbanyWoodrow James “Woody” Hasbany, of Lansing, Michigan, died unexpectedly of natural causes on Tuesday, May 13, 2014.  He was born on April 16, 1946 in South Bend, Indiana to Woodrow Abraham Hasbany and Virginia Alyene Lutz Hasbany.

Woody graduated in 1964 from South Bend’s Washington High School.  He continued his education at Michigan State University, earning a Business degree in 1968.  After graduation, as the Vietnam War was raging, Woody was immediately drafted into the Army (1968–1970).  He was granted stateside service, due to his mother’s battle with cancer and subsequent passing.  After returning to Lansing, Woody worked as a Distribution Clerk at a regional center for the U.S. Postal Service, until his retirement.

Woody never wanted to leave Lansing, the home of his beloved MSU Spartans.  There has never been a more loyal fan and supporter.  Even though he was never an athlete, MSU football, basketball and hockey games became his passion.  If there was a game, Woody was there with his scorebook in hand.  Many believe he was MSU’s unauthorized historian and could quote their statistics verbatim.

Woody is survived by his sister, Cynthia Mathis of Encinitas, CA; his niece, Gina (Jason) Ibarra of Danville, CA; his nephew, David (Kelly) Mathis of Portland, OR; his grand-niece, Ana Lucia Ibarra, and many cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 21, 2014, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 218 W. Ottawa Street, Lansing, with The Rev. Karen C. Lewis officiating.  The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until service time on Wednesday.

Memorial contributions may be made in Woody’s memory to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church or Michigan State University’s Athletic Department.

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7 Messages to “Woodrow James "Woody" Hasbany

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Dave & Joy Russ
May 15, 2014 at 2:30 pm

Just wondering…no family members named in Obituary.
Any relation to Eddie Hasbany (residing in Texas?) Or is it a different last name spelling?

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Barbara Heany
May 15, 2014 at 2:43 pm

Rest in Peace Woody. A gentle soul who loved his church family and was a fierce Spartan fan. You will be missed.

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Lyle Leatherbery
May 17, 2014 at 12:10 pm

Woody knew his Spartans, if there was ever a question about ANYTHING concerning the Sparty’s, he was our “connect”…. The Spartan Nation will miss him at all of the venues either home or away —– there were never any mileage limitations for Woody and his Buick…. God Speed ‘ol friend …..Lyle ………

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Darilyn Rice
May 17, 2014 at 7:03 pm

Lovely tribute to a gentle soul. Our hearts go out to Cindy, Gina, Jason, Ana Lucia, David and Kelly and the many cousins who have loved Woody and will greatly miss him. We will be with you in spirit as you lay him to rest with his Lord.

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Shelley & Mike Jacobs
May 18, 2014 at 12:22 pm

Rest In Peace, Woody. We will miss you at St. Paul’s, and miss your Spartan Spirit!

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Martha King
May 19, 2014 at 1:25 am

What a nice tribute to a very kind man. We are so glad that we could see Jim at Christmas and that he could enjoy a Rose Bowl victory for the Spartans on New Year’s Day 2014. God’s Peace and Love.

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Lowell Rarick
May 21, 2014 at 10:03 am

So sorry to hear of the passing of Jim. I had Jim in class at Washington High. He was a great young man and I really enjoyed having him in class. Please accept my condolence and tell Cynthia hello. Lowell Rarick

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