Kern County Times

Gerald William Haslam died on April 13, 2021. Born in Bakersfield, California in 1937, he experienced a diverse life, from farm work to military service. A Bakersfield College Hall of Famer, Haslam played college football and pursued academic achievements. His journey led to a professorship at Sonoma State University, where he left an enduring impact. Known for writing about rural California, his work focused on the state's diverse communities, earning him literary recognition. Collaborating with Janice E. Haslam, he explored the lives of Senator S. I. Hayakawa and Depression migrant Leon Patterson. A family man, Gerald and Janice raised a family in Penngrove, California, witnessing the achievements of their children, including Sim City 2000's lead developer, Fred Haslam. Gerald William Haslam's death at 84, due to prostate cancer, marked the end of a life dedicated to portraying the essence of California's heartland. His legacy lives on in his writings and the impact he had on those who crossed his path.