Alfred Paul "Fred" Havas' Obituary
Alfred Paul “Fred” Havas
Loving husband, father, brother, and friend Alfred “Fred” P. Havas died October 15, 2017, in Tucson, AZ after a sudden illness from which he never recovered. Fred was born June 28, 1946, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Gustav (“Gus”) and Jeannette (“Netty”) Havas. He is survived by his wife Kasey; son Aaron and his wife Margaret; Kasey’s children Hawk and his sons William, Brennan and Drake, Katherine and her son Seamus, James and his sons Santiago and Gabriel; siblings Carla Baruch (Ted), Max Havas (Pat), Ed Havas (Cindy), and Sandra Havas; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his eldest brother, David Bert Havas.
Fred was immensely proud to become a citizen of his adopted country of the United States, but he never lost his affection for his native Holland or his strong Jewish identity. He was proud to be from a family of immigrants, recognizing that diversity of origins and backgrounds is what gives this country its strength and character. Regardless of background, race, religion, color, or station in life, Fred felt strongly that all should be treated with dignity and respect.
Fred didn’t just live; he embraced life with joy and gusto. He enjoyed a good laugh, conversation, and a good meal – preferably shared with family and friends. He was a very intelligent man who spoke seven different languages and had a wide range of knowledge that spanned from world politics to current events to history. He was an engaging conversationalist with an inquiring mind and a thirst for knowledge.
Fred was a man of large appetites, thoroughly relishing time with family, a good meal, and belting out a song. He never knew a stranger. Seldom did he fail to strike up a conversation, share a moment, or forge a connection. He was so passionate about learning and pushing those around him to succeed that he often acted as a mentor to a wide number of people. Nowhere is this more apparent than with his son, Aaron. With Fred’s guidance, encouragement, and endless patience, Aaron was able to overcome many difficulties and ultimately to obtain his PhD and become a successful scientist.
Above all else, Fred highly valued family and relationships. One of the major prides of Fred’s life was his relationship with his loving wife and best friend, Kasey. Over their 26 years of marriage, they traveled the world, embracing a diversity of cultures, food, and art. They shared an adamant love for the theater, symphony, and opera. With Kasey’s loving devotion, infinite patience, and grounding influence, Fred found love, peace, and contentment.
Fred had a big heart, and was generous to a fault. He never forgot that others were less fortunate than he, and sought to give back. In that spirit, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. Alav Ha-sholom
A service in celebration of Fred’s life will be held on Friday, October 20, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at Evergreen Mortuary and Cemetery, 3015 North Oracle Rd., Tucson, AZ.
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