Philip Valentine Havens, 88, Little Compton

Posted 12/19/18

Philip Valentine Havens, 88, of Little Compton, died peacefully in his sleep on December 17, 2018, at Laurelmead in Providence. He lived a full and prosperous life; first and foremost was his love of …

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Philip Valentine Havens, 88, Little Compton

Posted

Philip Valentine Havens, 88, of Little Compton, died peacefully in his sleep on December 17, 2018, at Laurelmead in Providence. He lived a full and prosperous life; first and foremost was his love of people.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, on October 25, 1930, he was the son of Donald and Louise Havens and the brother of Nancy and Donald (“Tony”) Havens.

He graduated from Hackley School, Tarrytown, NY, in 1949, Harvard College in 1953 and completed his Masters in Education at Columbia University.

On August 9, 1962, he married the love of his life, Lee Cairns Havens.

He is survived by Lee; his two children, Matthew Havens and Heather Myers, their spouses Stacy Havens and David Myers; his four grandchildren, Andrew, Spencer, Zachary and Christopher; and his nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom love him very much and will miss him dearly.

His life was spent as an educator, a coach, and a friend.  He spent his first 20 years in education teaching English and history, coaching swimming and working in administration at Hackley School. Phil became a headmaster in 1974 at Woodmere Academy in Long Island, NY, and then at Charles Wright Academy in Tacoma, Wash., beginning in 1977. He ended his career as the Director of The Edward E. Ford Foundation. Phil remained active in retirement, serving on several boards including E.E. Ford Foundation and Hackley School.

Phil was a devoted member of St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Little Compton, an avid golfer and four-time club champion at Sakonnet Golf Club. He loved to ski, travel, to read and sing which he most recently did as a member of the Tiverton Chorus. He loved the power of words and was a passionate supporter of political campaigns as he held a deep love of country and democracy.

A memorial service is planned for Spring 2019. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Phil Havens’ name to either American Heart Association PO Box 417005, Boston, MA  02241 or Alzheimer’s Association PO Box 96011, Washington, DC  20090  www.monahandrabblesherman.com

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