Robert Burrough de Haven

Robert B. (Bob) de Haven made his transition to Heaven on December 14th, 2023, nine days before his 98th birthday. He is survived by his daughter, Allyson de Haven Harris; his “son", John Hort; his nephews, Glenn de Haven and Frank de Haven; and great nieces, nephews and cousins. Even though he couldn’t attend church, his church family at Irvington Baptist Church in Irvington held him in their prayers for as long as Bob lived in Virginia.

Bob was a decorated World War II Nose-gunner/Bombardier in the Army Air Force, which later became our Air Force. He completed 250 missions over Germany, giving credit to his crew and his B-24 Liberator named “Hell From Heaven” for their success.

A life-long resident of New Jersey, he enjoyed various careers post-war, all of which had much to do with public service. He retired at age 77. Not one to rest, he became active in Haskell’s local animal shelter and hospital. He was invited to join AAFHA (Army Air Forces Historical Society) and became very involved with the organization in the mid 80’s, enjoying many road trips with the club. His job was to educate the public during air shows about the Army Air Force involvement in the war, sharing some of his experiences and close calls while overseas, and reliving the sense of honor and Patriotism so prevalent during that time. His wife’s progression into Alzheimer’s Dementia caused him to give up much of his activities to focus on her care. He took sole care of her at home for 10 years, until he felt it finally necessary to admit her into a facility. Eventually, he allowed himself to go with his heartfelt wish to be closer to Allyson, so plans were made to Medivac them both to Williamsburg in 2017. At the ripe age of 91, he made the move, packing up his entire household with virtually no assistance (his independence was legendary). His wife was entered into a memory care facility in town, while he took up residence at Verena at the Reserve, a wonderful independent living community in Williamsburg. His wife passed two weeks after their arrival, but he spent each day with her until that time.

As he healed from that loss, he was thrilled to participate in a lifestyle he had never preciously been able to enjoy. He claimed it felt like every day was a "vacation." He was lovingly called “the Mayor” and became Verena’s in-house Ambassador, making new residents feel welcome. He birthed the Verena “Pool Sharks” after learning the community housed an enviable pool table. A long-forgotten hobby was revived. Eventually, the ladies started their own pool group; and to this day the guys and gals are still playing and hopefully enjoying group outings to Corner Pocket. His "home" at Verena was life-giving and fun, to include winning first place every year at their annual Halloween party with his daughter. Bob was happy to engage in anything fun—from hippies to Sonny and Cher, to cocktail parties, professional musical guests and outings for dinner or a show. This was a normal part of life for him at his new home, which continued for 4 years.

At the end of 2021, Bob had a serious fall, forcing him to make the decision to move to an assisted living community. He chose Spring Arbor of Williamsburg.

He again felt the love of the community and again considered it a “vacation” to be a part of the caring Spring Arbor family. He was beloved by staff and residents alike and became their ambassador as well.

Bob was a man of great integrity and kindness. He was mild-mannered, always had time for a smile and a kind word, forgave quickly, never held a grudge and was ALWAYS looking on the bright side of every situation or challenge. He is proof that it’s never too late to “live large” and love everyone, which he did to the fullest. He will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bristol Hospice of Richmond, 7400 Beaufont Road Ste 105 Richmond, VA 23225 or Irvington Baptist Church, P O Box 417, Irvington VA 22480.