LEGACY

 Richard P. Haugland ("Dick") was an incredibly generous man and those who knew him agree that he was a kind, naive genius. No matter what language, cultural and religious difference there might be, he connected with children.  He loved teaching and developing curricula and he was brilliant at that. .

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With his company, Molecular Probes (founded with his wife, Rosaria) he invented some of the most effective fluorescent dyes used in laboratories around the world (the Alexa Fluor dyes remain a best seller).  When he sold the company in 2003 he transferred a very significant sum into his foundation, the Richard P. Haugland Foundation, which was dissolved in 2016.
 

Dick moved permanently to Thailand in 2004 and over the years, he traveled with Francesco to Bangladesh, thePhilippines, Northern Vietnam, India, Nepal, rural Myanmar and every corner of Cambodia and - of course - Thailand. Starfish Education Foundation, in Northern Thailand was his home from 2004 until his passing in October 2016.

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At Starfish, Dick was actively involved with curriculum development and children’s enrichment activities to ensure that the children get the best quality education from the programs. His unique multi-media teaching methods and materials in math, English ("Thaiglish") and Thai languages have made a tremendous impact on preschool and primary school children.

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Dick was a very dear friend to me (Francesco). He was not perfect - and he knew it. He loved teaching and loved Starfish, the place  to which he wanted to return to live his final days. Everything Starfish Education Trust funds and all the work of Starfish Education foundation are wholeheartedly dedicated to him by all of us.

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