Rensselaer "Curt" Curtiss Havens, III

MARBLEHEAD & PHOENIX, AZ -Curt Havens, 66 years old, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, August 29, 2026 after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke. Curt was a well-respected businessman, a serial entrepreneur with multiple business ventures including his family owned landscape design and build Outside Living Concepts in Arizona and his passion project, The Beacon, with his partners Edgar and Johnny and many friends from Marblehead. Curt was a force with a dynamic personality, zest for life and a generous heart. He loved his family deeply and cherished those around him. His drive, passion and energy will be greatly missed!

Curt was born in Glen Cove, New York March 16,1960 and was raised in Marblehead, He was the son of the late Rensselaer Curtiss Jr. and late Rita Stacey Havens. Curt is survived by his faithful wife Natalie and his devoted children: son Derek (Kathryn), granddaughter Ava, Reid, Courtney, Corbin (McKenzie), sisters Stacey (John Barnes), Denise Pelligrini, his brothers Timothy (Amy Renz), the late Michael Havens, 3 nieces, 2 nephews, 8 great nieces & nephews and numerous cousins who all loved him dearly!

Curt grew up around Marblehead and graduated from Marblehead High School with the class of 1978. Curt loved getting together with his classmates and was very involved in his class reunion committee. He was really looking forward to being involved in their upcoming 50th class reunion. Curt attended Military Prep School in Oregon but then decided to attend Arizona State University. He graduated in 1984 with a degree in Business and Marketing. Curt became a Phi Kappa Psi fraternity brother his second semester at ASU, which became a defining moment in his life leading to over four decades of shared laughs and treasured memories. Twenty five years ago, Curt proposed to Natalie under the Giving Tree with a view of Marblehead Harbor at Fort Sewall. Together they built a beautiful life with their 4 children in Phoenix, AZ and enjoyed many travel adventures with close family and friends making memories around the world.

Curt worked as a third-generation contractor with his father, Rens and RC Havens and Sons where he learned all the tools of the trade. He later pursued his passion for TV production in his twenties and thirties. As he developed his talents in audio visual production, he came up with the idea of “Home Improvement Magazine” and was involved with “OK TV.” He was surprised and delighted to be invited to be a guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show highlighting his skills. While living in Arizona, Curt discovered his passion and talent for landscape design and build. In 2004, Curt started his own company Outside Living Concepts in Phoenix, Arizona. By 2023 all four of his children had joined him in his efforts to fulfill his dream of having his own family owned business. He truly loved his work and treasured the many friendships he formed with colleagues and clients throughout the years.

In 2025, Curt fulfilled one of his bucket list wishes to participate in writing a book. Our amazing neighbor Brenda invited him to participate in her book writing project "Stand on the Shoulders of Giants" which is inspired by the timeless words of Sir Isaac Newton: “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” This series is a collection of stories from top producing modern day giants in various industries. The purpose of the book series is to inspire individual growth and awaken the giant in each unique individual! Curt always reminded us “success leaves clues” and “attitude is everything!”

In 2027, an annual award in Curt’s honor will be presented: The Curt Havens Most Valuable Giant Award, which will recognize the giant who best represents what Curt demonstrated — through the many ways he or she shows up, participates, implements, supports the team, applies the tools, maximizes visibility, exposure, relationships, resources and opportunity.

Curt was recognized for not sitting on potential but turning what he was given into evidence, impact, momentum and measurable success. Curt worked the room, the tools, the strategies, the relationships and he worked on himself. Curt was an example of what happens when preparation meets participation, implementation, consistency and execution. “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants” featuring Curt Havens can be found on Amazon.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 16th, at 11am at Saint Michael’s Episcopal Church at 26 Pleasant St. in Marblehead. A celebration of Curt’s life will follow the service at The Beacon at 123 Pleasant St. in Marblehead. Curt will be buried at Waterside Cemetery with his family in a private service. An Arizona Celebration of Life will be at 12 noon September 26, 2026 at our home in Promontory.

In lieu of flowers, donation checks can be made payable to the Marblehead Recreation & Parks Department sent to 10 Humphrey Street, Marblehead, MA 01945. Specify in the memo “Havens Fort Sewall Tree Fund” or “Havens Memorial Bench Fund.” It is our hope to have a Havens Memorial Bench placed at Redd’s Pond where Curt and his siblings grew up fishing and skating on the Pond.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com for Curt’s family.