Rodney "Rod" Jay Havens
June 1st, 2016
HAVENS, Rodney (Rod) Jay
February 19, 1956 - June 1, 2016
Rod went home to be with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, with his loving wife, Cindy and family by his side on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer. Rod was born to Irene and Harold Havens on February 19, 1956 in Hamilton, Ontario.
Rod is remembered by his wife of 27 years, Cindy Havens (nee Day) of Airdrie AB; oldest daughter, Jessika of Calgary, AB; son, Adam of Airdrie, AB; youngest daughter, Amber Farren and son-in-law, Andrew Farren of Airdrie, AB; granddaughters, Jayda and Jaymi; grandson, Adonnis; mother, Irene Jones of Balzac, AB; brother, Clint and wife, Beverley of Balzac, AB; sister, Glenda Morris of Balzac, AB; mother-in-law, Lorraine Day of Carstairs, AB; brother-in-law, Kelly Day and wife, Connie of Carstairs AB; nieces and nephews, Jason, Jennifer, Natalie, Sarah, Abigail, Caleb, Blake, Tamara, Shane, Brandon and their spouses; 20 great nieces and nephews; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He is predeceased by his father, Harold Havens of Ontario; stepfather, Arnold Jones of Balzac; father-in-law, Doug Day; and his beloved granddaughter, Ryleigh Farren.
Rod had many interests and talents. He played in the Calgary Round Up Band and was a figure skater for many years. He received the medal for ‘Gold Dance’ which is the highest level of achievement in ice dance. With hours of hard work and dedication he reached the National Level as an ice dancer going on to coach students throughout Alberta. His discovery of Kurt Browning was one of his proudest accomplishments.
Rod fell in love with muscle cars and built his 1971 Dodge Charger that would give him many trophies and pride of accomplishment. This race car would take him and his family throughout western Canada and the US to compete in numerous races and shows. Rod started Able Taxi in Airdrie, AB in 1986 with his mom and sister, Glenda and then continued with Cindy when they married in 1989. It was a 20-year commitment. He did all of the mechanical repairs on the taxis and drove as well as dispatched and managed it extremely well. In 2006 they sold the business and started Sir Drives A Lot Pilot Car Service Inc. which took them from Alaska to Tennessee.
He was a faithful and loving husband to Cindy and a wonderful father to Jessika, Adam and Amber. He was adored by the grandchildren who will miss Papa. And although our hearts are breaking and we will miss him dearly, we rejoice that he is no longer in pain. We Will See You Again!!
A Celebration of Rod’s Life will be held at the Town and Country Center, 275 Jensen Drive NE, Airdrie, AB on Friday, June 10, 2016 at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rod’s memory to:
2888 Shaganappi Trail NW, Calgary, AB, T3B 6A8
110 Evans Park Manor NE, Calgary, AB, T3P 0N4.
Messages:
Cindy and family---I am so sorry to hear about Rod's passing. I am thinking of you all during this difficult time. Skeeter Day
I had the pleasure over the early year of Able Taxi of getting to know both Rod & Cindy. He drove me into Calgary on many occasions over the years. We are so sorry to hear of Rod's passing and we will be thinking of you during this difficult time.
Sincere condolences Irene & Family Charlie & Donna Watt
Sorry we weren't there today Cindy for Rod and you. If there is anything we can do for you, just let us know. We love you both, Take care.
Dear Cindy, I'm sorry for the loss you and your family are going through right now. Rod left such a positive impression on people he met. I had met you both when I was 16 (many years ago) and Rod opened his garage to me and some of my friends to work on engines. He had brought us to Race City as part of his 'pit crew' so we could take it all in from behind the scenes. I remember being there the first time you raced the Charger at Race City, Cindy; it was amazing. I even worked for Able Taxi, but only during the day, as Rod was wanting to ensure my safety. (Always looking out for people) I was inspired by the two of you and your loving relationship; how you adored each other. Most of all Cindy I remember Rod teaching my friends and I about the love of Christ as our saviour, that God loves us all despite our imperfections and weaknesses. It was because of the seeds that you both planted in me that I became a born again Christian. Over the years, I've often thought of contacting you both to tell you what an impact you had on my life; I waited too long. For now, I pray that you will find comfort in knowing that Rod showed me the way to Jesus and I know he is safe in his arms. I will pray for you and your family, for strength and comfort Cindy. God Bless
It is with sadness and a heavy heart that I write this message. Rod was a kind, loving and caring friend whom I will miss dearly. His sense of humour and laughter were one of my favourite memories of him along with his wisdom and great insight into human nature. He was a loving husband and father and his family was his world. RIP my friend.
Our deepest sympathy to Rod's family. He was just a really great guy and enjoyed racing with him, not so much against him and the infamous Bumble bee car. Our prayers are with you Cindy.
So sorry to hear about your loss. Rod was a very well liked fella, I enjoyed talking to him at the bank and when ever our paths crossed on the street. I am sure he will be missed by many. Take care Cindy.
Cindy, our sincere condolences, Rod was 1 of a kind and will be remembered fondly. You always knew were you stood with him and his passion for racing was unfounded.....he will be missed. R.I.P. Champ
My prayers are with all the family on your loss. Rod will be dancing to unbelievable music, with no more pain.
Cindy, Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. Rod will be greatly missed. Sheila & Darwin & Andrew
Cindy and Family, Know that you are in our thoughts & prayers at this time. Lots of love, Darryl, Shelley & Chris
I miss you already rod,we were friends for 20 plus years and you and cindy made me laugh so many times I couldn't count them all,cindy we all are so sorry for yours and our loss because rod was part of all his racing family,keep strong and remember we love you
Cindy and family my thoughts have been with you for a long time. Nothing hurts more than seeing your loved one in that much pain. My deepest sympathy.
My deepest sympathy. Rod was a very special guy. The world has lost one of the good ones, but we look forward to the great reunion in heaven.
My condolences to the Havens Family. Rod was such a dear sweet, caring and funny guy I will never forget. Enjoyed the times we raced together, March Meet and Vegas. Love you all.
Our deepest condolences to Rod's family, John and I both have great memories or Rod drag racing at Race City Speedway. You are all in our thoughts and prayers
Condolences to all the family, sending our thoughts and prayers to you all.
I'm sorry for your loss brother Clint and sister Bev. Prayers to the family. I'll see you guys soon in Canada at the end of June. Love you guys! ❤️
Clint my thoughts are with you at this time. Your loving brother is now at peace. My deepest sympathies on your loss
love you papa its your girl jaymi