John Douglas Havill

John Douglas Havill (Doug), of Halifax passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on July 23rd 2017. Survived by children; Bruce (Marilyn) Havill, Elaine (Brian) Allen, Diana (Graeme) Higgs, John (Debbie) Havill, Suzie (Alex) Hauszner; grandchildren: Allison Havill (Kevin Frame), Amy (Will) Landymore, Matthew (Leila) Allen, Jordan (Beth ) Allen, Sarah (Graham) Schlender, Rebekah Higgs, James (Jen) Higgs, Nicholas Havill, Kristin Havill, Lauren Hauszner, Alana Hauszner and Alexander Hauszner; step-grandchildren: Ashley (Andrew) Verge and Justin Smith; great grandchildren: Griffin, Violet, Ellie, Scarlett, Davis, Easton, Campbell, Beckett, Lennon, Lydia, Ivy, Hugh, Brooklyn and Lucy. Surviving siblings: Keith Havill, Ruth Havill, Reg (Sharon) Havill, Lois (Albert Manuel). Sisters-in-law: Joan and Hazel Havill. Doug was predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Jean Miriam Havill (Poole), as well as siblings Bruce, Joyce and Stan.

Doug was born in Buffalo, New York, the son of Walter and Gladys (Hughes) Havill and raised in Halifax. During WWII Doug served in the RCAF and was stationed at an air base not far from Broadway, England. In 1943, while attending a dance in her village, he met Jean and they fell in love. Doug returned to Canada in 1945, and two years later he returned to England to marry Jean. They settled in Halifax.

Doug was a well-respected business man known for his integrity, kindness and generosity. He had a long history in business, most notably as president of Havill Brothers Mobile Homes Sales Limited and Broadway Properties Limited. He served on various clubs, committees and boards. He was a past president of the Halifax North West Rotary Club and recipient of the “Paul Harris Fellow” award, for outstanding service. He also served for 20 years as the president of the Citadel Amateur Boxing Club.

In addition to his love for family, he found joy in hunting, fishing and the great outdoors.

Doug was a long standing member of Grace Chapel. A man of faith, he was greatly comforted in his last years as he experienced God’s peace, grace and love.

The family would like to thank the staff of Four West at the Veterans’ Memorial Hospital not only for their exceptional care but also for the way they have loved our father in the last six years of his life. In Doug’s own words, “Thank you”, “You’re beautiful”, “God loves you”!

Visitation will be held at Grace Chapel, 255 Ross Street, Halifax, on Thursday July 27th 2017 from 4-6 pm. A celebration-of-life service will be held on Friday July 28th 2017 at 6 pm, with Rev. Mark Harris officiating. A reception will follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Teen Challenge Atlantic by visiting www.tcatlantic.ca.