Edward Patrick Havard

March 17, 1961 - September 04, 2025

Edward Patrick Havard, 64, passed from this earthly life on Wednesday, September 4, 2025, at home in Meadows of Dan, Virginia.

Known for his sweet, good nature, his deep, resonant laugh, his unparalleled patience, his love of the natural world (particularly Apis mellifera, the small and mighty honeybee), and deep devotion to spiritual understanding, Ed was a loving husband, loyal friend, amazing father, beautiful soul and fearless adventurer.

Born in New Rochelle, New York on St. Patrick’s Day, 1961, the son of Marilyn Busic Havard and James E. Havard, Ed grew up in the Hudson Valley of New York. He was a graduate of Ossining High School, SUNY Oneonta, and earned his master’s degree at Syracuse University.

An athlete and scholar, Ed played high school football, collegiate lacrosse, ran long distance, and could explain complex scientific theories in a way even his artistic wife and friends could understand.

Ed was a man who followed his dreams and encouraged others to follow theirs. He loved to travel and counted among his treasured memories, time spent with his family exploring Ireland, Wales, England, Iceland, France, Italy, and living in Costa Rica, where he taught at the Monteverde Friends School.

A kind and patient teacher, Ed worked with special needs students and taught high school physics. A lifeguard and water-safety instructor, he was honored to teach adults to swim and gain confidence in their abilities. In his professional life, Ed was an analytical chemist. After retirement, he followed his true calling as a Christian Science practitioner, helping others heal through prayer.

As a beekeeper, Ed spent hours in the garden building hives and tending to his bees. His calm nature could soothe animals and people alike. A favorite family memory was of finding Ed napping in the apiary, among the many busy hives, no veil or suit, completely happy and thoroughly at ease.

Ed was pre-deceased by his parents, Marilyn Busic Havard and James E. Havard, and brother, Michael J. Havard. He is survived by his wife, Rita Murphy, and son, Liam Havard of Meadows of Dan, VA, brother Chris (Lois) Havard of Princeton, NJ, brother-in-law Thomas J. Murphy of Plymouth, MA, sister-in-law, Judith (Michael) Havard of New Canaan, CT, Nephews: Samuel, Henry, Cole, Jack (Elizabeth), niece Taylor Havard, and many dear Havard relatives.

Ed was loved, honored, cherished and cared for by his family and friends, the wonderful staff of Good Samaritan Hospice and Sheila S. Strauss Hospice House, Shannon Lytton, Teresa Bailey, Mary Lee Gill, Todd Triplett, Sudha Wilburn, Mark Bowman, his wife, Rita, and most especially his loving son, Liam.

In place of flowers, donations may be made to Good Samaritan Hospice of Roanoke, Spikenard Farm Honeybee Sanctuary of Floyd, or New Skete Monastery of New York.

Ed loved the Blue Ridge Mountains, yet his heart remained in the Green Mountains of Vermont, where a private family memorial is planned.