After a long and courageous fight with cancer, John David Havens died on November 3, 2016. John was born on February 20, 1947 in Joplin, Missouri to Bill and Bette Havens. The Havens family moved to Canon City, Colorado in 1949 where John attended St. Michael School and later graduated from Holy Cross Abbey. He received his Bachelor's Degree from Colorado State University, and furthered his education at the University of Denver, College of Law, earning his Juris Doctor in 1973. Later that year he was admitted to the Colorado Bar Association. John practiced law in Denver, Colorado for nearly two decades until being appointed the City Attorney for Canon City, Colorado; he proudly served the City for over twenty-five years. His passion and commitment to his city were a driving force in his life. He was dedicated to making Canon a beautiful place to live, and was honored to serve the people of his community. John is survived by his loving wife and best friend Cheryl, his daughters Rosemary Havens, Jennifer Contreras (David), and Jessica Alire (Ramon), his siblings Bill Havens Jr. and Suzanne Wilson (Bill), brother-in-law Michael Gangel, and nieces/nephews Libby Profeta (Joey), Bill Wilson III (Katie), and Zachary Saban. John is also survived by the joy of his life, his nine beautiful granddaughters: Julia, Sarah, Alicia, Emily, Alannah, Rylee, Isabelle, Marianna, and Talia. He absolutely adored his family. John was a remarkable fly fisherman - he delighted in the piscatorial outings with his brother and brothers-in-law during their annual pilgrimage to the Lake City, Colorado area. His favorite stream, Big Blue, sits at the base of Uncompahgre Peak. John loved to tie his own flies, outwit trout, and share tales of adventure each evening over a fire on the back deck of a cabin. He relished the comradery that only brothers possess. No one could tell a story like John Havens; his magnificent, quick, wit and dry sense of humor enthralled both family and friends - his stories were often times, mostly true. John had wonderful friends from every walk of life. He was a phenomenal cook, occasionally trudged through a round of golf, adored and respected the beauty of nature, and was beyond passionate about any and all things Denver Broncos. While his career and hobbies played a prominent role in John's life, his primary focus rested with his family. John's love and commitment to his wife Cheryl, and his unwavering bond with his daughters and granddaughters was his overwhelming joy in life... He loved his "girlies". John was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Bette Havens, and his sister Barbara Havens Gangel who succumbed to
Breast Cancer only seven weeks ago. A memorial service will be celebrated at Christ Episcopal Church, 802 Harrison Avenue, Canon City, Colorado on Wednesday, November 9th, at 10:00 a.m. A reception will follow immediately at City Hall, 128 Main Street, Canon City, Colorado. John's wish was to have his family spread his remains in Lake City, Colorado... his favorite place on earth. Please omit flowers. Contributions may be made in John's name to Sangre de Cristo : 601 Greenwood Ave. Canon City, CO 81212.
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