Richard S. Haven

Troy, PA Richard S. Haven, Age 73, of Sun City, AZ formerly of the Elmira and Troy area passed away Friday, March 6, 2009 at Boswell Hospital in Sun City, Arizona following a brave battle with cancer. Family and friends are invited to call 1 to 2 PM Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at the Austinville Union Church. His funeral service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 2 PM with Reverend Ken Marple officiating. Interment will be in Columbia Valley Cemetery. The Gerald W. Vickery, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. has been entrusted with the arrangements. Richard was born May 27, 1935 in Columbia Township, Bradford County, PA son of the late Sterling B. and Edna Louise (Wolfe) Haven. Richard received his Bachelor's Degree from Mansfield University and then his Masters Degree in Education from Cornell University. He was also certified in Administration. He began his teaching career in 1958 at Parley Coburn School in Elmira, NY. Richard then transferred to Southside High School where he taught English and later worked in Administration until his retirement in 1993. Richard took an active role in education. He was involved with the Southside High School Yearbook as their advisor and also served many classes as their class advisor. He loved teaching and held a deep admiration for his students. Richard was a former deacon of First Presbyterian Church in Elmira. He was a member of the Sun City Prides, The Gideons International and Grace Bible Church in Sun City, AZ, and was an avid New York Yankees fan. Survivors include his wife Evangeline M. "Van" Haven of Sun City, AZ, stepdaughter, Kathy M. VanDooser and spouse, Bill Vinhage of Bradenton, FL, stepson, Ross VanDooser of Knightdale, NC, his sister, Evelyn A. and Dennis Woodard of Penn Yan, NY, his brother H. Dean and Nancy Haven of Columbia Cross Roads, PA, step-grandchildren, Kurt Vinhage and Paul Vinhage, several nieces, nephews and cousins. His parents and his sister Alice L. Corcoran predeceased Richard. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Richard's memory to the Grace Bible Church, 19280 North 99th Avenue, Sun City, AZ 85373 or the Austinville Union Church, Austinville, PA. The Gerald W. Vickery, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. 110 West Main Street, Troy, PA is in charge of arrangements. Send condolences to BestLifeTributes.com