Fort Edward

Jack F. “Best Friend” Havens, 91, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 28, 2013 at Glens Falls Hospital with his loving family by his side.

Born in Fort Edward on June 8, 1921, he was the son of the late Clarence M. and Sarah (Mullen) Havens.

He grew up in Fort Edward and enlisted in the United States Army in 1942. Jack served his country proudly for four years and was a recipient of the Purple Heart Medal.

On September 30, 1945, he married the love of his life Helen Trackey at St. Joseph’s Church in Fort Edward.

Jack was formerly the Town of Fort Edward Superintendent of Highways. .

He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman; Jack played semi-pro baseball with the Hudson Falls Iroquois in the 1930s and 40s with his brothers. He enjoyed spending many hours on his front porch and also loved playing cards with his wife, grandchildren, and sister, with occasionally cheating to win.

Jack was given the nickname “Best Friend” by his grandson Matty. Sis, Matty, and Poochy were the pride and joy of his life. Jack was a man of few words and was known for his selfless acts of kindness.

Besides his parents, Jack is predeceased by his brothers, Edward (Marion) and Clarence Havens, a sister, Elizabeth (Walter) Doty, in-law’s, Octave and Helen Trackey, sister’s and brother’s in-law, Mary and Fred Viele, Gerald and Evelyn Dragon, Jeanette Barrett and David Moore.

Left to cherish his many memories are his loving wife of 67 years Helen Havens, daughter, Nancy Porlier and husband Joseph of South Glens Falls, grandchildren, Matt and Kayla Porlier, sisters, Phyllis Lawrence, Patricia LaRock and companion Tom Kenney, Joan Walsh and companion Lee Turner, Connie Havens, sister’s and brother’s in-law, Catherine Havens, John Trackey and wife Hazel, Frances “Peachy” Osgood and husband Jack, and Shirley Moore, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends may call on Thursday, January 31, 2013 from 1-3pm and 6-8pm at M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 82 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828. For online condolences and to visit Jack’s Book of Memories, please visit www.kilmerfuneralhome.com

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 1, 2013 at 11am at St. Joseph’s Church in Fort Edward with Rev. Thomas Babiuch, pastor, and Rev. Guy Anthony Childs, pastor of St. Michael’s The Archangel Church, con celebrating. A reception will follow at St. Michael’s the Archangel Church, 80 Saratoga Ave, South Glens Falls, NY 12803.

Burial will be at the convenience of the family at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Fort Edward.

Donations in Jack’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942 or Adirondack Vets House, Inc. 26 Pine Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jack F. "Best Friend" Havens, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

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