Richard D. Haviland Esq

Richard D. Haviland, Esq., born January 28, 1960, died December 27, 2013, after a courageous battle with cancer. Son of James T. Haviland II and Barbara J. Haviland, Richard is survived by his mother, as well as his siblings and their spouses; James T. Haviland III, Mary Lyndon Haviland and Thomas M. Neff, Elizabeth H. Padgett and David A. Padgett, and Anne H. Littlefield and Prescott T. Littlefield. Richard was a beloved uncle to five nephews, Matthew T. Littlefield, Peter H. Littlefield, Nathanael R. Padgett, Owen D. Padgett and Colin C. Padgett ("Pipper"). He was well loved by his cousins, his best friend Andrea Lombard of Windsor, CT., and many other colleagues, friends and family. Richard graduated from St. Bernard High School in Uncasville, CT in 1977. He received a B.S. from the University of New Hampshire in chemical engineering in 1982. He went on to obtain a J.D. in 1988 from the Western New England College of Law in Springfield, MA. Rich practiced law in New London until his illness made it impossible for him to continue. For a period of time, he proudly practiced law with his father, the late James T. Haviland II. Rich volunteered his time for community interests; serving at various times on the Groton City Council, the Town of Groton Representative Town Committee, the Town of Groton Board of Assessment Appeals, and the Town of Groton Zoning Commission. At Christmas, he was frequently seen dressed as Santa, ringing the bell for charity. He was also a member of the Social Society Froshinn in Mystic. Rich loved both sailing and hiking. An active participant in the Mystic River Mudheads Sailing Association and Eastern Connecticut Sailing Association, he raced locally on various boats throughout the years, most recently with his family on Zig Zag Zoom. Rich fell in love with the mountains as a college student and served as President of the University of New Hampshire Outing Club. An avid hiker, in 2004, Rich realized a lifelong dream by completing the Appalachian Trail. He also climbed the 100 highest mountains in New England. In the Appalachian Trail Community, his trail name was "Bearbait" due to an infamous encounter with a bear in Virginia. He was active in the conservation community, belonging to the Connecticut Forest and Park Association, the Appalachian Mountain Club, The Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the Nature Conservancy. Rich will be remembered as a dedicated son, devoted brother, loving uncle and loyal friend. He will be sorely missed. Calling hours will be at the Byles Memorial Home, 99 Huntington Street, New London on December 30th from 5-7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Mary Mother of the Redeemer, 69 Groton Long Point Road, Groton, CT. at 1:00 p.m. December 31st. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Connecticut Chapter of the Nature Conservancy, 55 Church Street, Floor 3, New Haven, Connecticut. Please visit www.byles.com for directions, to sign the guest book or share a memory.