PEOPLE, PLACES & EVENTS Getting to Know Our Neighbors: Pat Haun

By Liz Rickett, photo by Darrell Holdaway

Pat Haun is a tradition follower. Her mom married at age 17 as did both her sisters. So, it was only natural that Pat married at 17 as well. This was precipitated by her husband, Jim Haun, being drafted to serve in the Korean War.

Jim was a singer. As a child, he did shows to promote the sale of War Bonds during World War II. He also sang with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. After receiving a Bronze Star for his service as an infantry member on the front lines, he sang in Korea with a group while waiting to return home.

While her husband Jim was deployed, Pat worked as a secretary. When he came home, they moved to Los Angeles so he could pursue his singing career. She worked in the secretarial pool at Paramount Studios where she had lunch with Elvis Presley at the commissary and worked with many famous people including Cary Grant and Jerry Lewis.

Changing his name from Jim Haun to Rouvaun, he opened in Las Vegas and signed a contract with RCA Records. He performed for five years, two shows a day, seven days a week, including a six month residency in Las Vegas. He would have a break of six months, during which he traveled. By now, they had three children. With the help of a nanny, Pat attended every one of his shows. Rouvaun was known for his incredible voice, still available to hear on YouTube.

After Jim’s death in 1975, Pat resumed her career as a legal secretary. Her two sons inherited Jim’s musical talent. Jimmy is a guitarist and composer, performing with Arc of Life, while Chandler is also a singer and guitarist and has written and collaborated with his brother on scores for movies. Her granddaughter, Lindsey, is also a singer and actress.

Pat’s daughter followed her mom’s lead. She also married at age 17 and is a legal secretary.

These days, Pat keeps busy with her family that includes a great-great-grand- son. She also enjoys gardening and dogs. In addition to her dog, she will often walk or sit dogs for friends.