Ronald Haviland

11/12/1936 - 6/17/2026

The marching is over, the airplanes are fixed, and grand stories have been told. Ready for his peaceful departure, Ronald Haviland, 89, was called home on June 17th 2026. 

Born to Donovan and Emma (Gray) Haviland in Detroit, Michigan, he graduated in 1956 from Cooley High School, where he met and later married his high school sweetheart, Mary Wilma Kennedy. Moving on from high school, he joined the Army; a choice to serve that would be a long-term commitment of 34 years. Having finished his initial 3-year enlistment, he slid seamlessly into the National Guard for 28 years, then onto the Army Reserves for his final 3 years. Professionally, Ron was a part of the exciting aviation boom of the 60’s, a passion that employed him until retirement, working for most of his career for Zantop International Airlines from the 60’s until they ceased operations in 2005. A charter member and volunteer of the Yankee Air Force in Ypsilanti, he was incredibly proud to work to preserve a part of Michigan's extensive aviation history, volunteering to help restore to airworthiness, among others, a C47. 

In Detroit and later Ypsilanti, Ron and his wife Mary (deceased) raised three children together and gave a leg up to half a dozen others who needed one. When Zantop closed up shop, the couple settled into retirement in Ozark, Alabama. They were fortunate and grateful to have spent time just being retired, lending a hand with grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and assorted pets, and traveling around. 

Ronald is survived by his daughters, Kimberly (Edward) Briand, Norma (David) Ware; son-in-law, Jeff Kauffman; grandchildren, Edward, Daniel, John, Alex, Joseph; great-grandchildren, Kylie, Edward, Elliott; siblings, Richard Haviland, Joan (Haviland) Lee, and Roger Lamothe; friends, caregivers, and his constant companion Pyewacket. Ronald is preceded in death by his wife Mary Wilma (Kennedy) Haviland; parents, Donovan and Emma Haviland; daughter, Donna (Haviland) Kauffman. 

A memorial celebration was planned by Ronald and is scheduled for June 6, 2027. In lieu of flowers, please, donations can be made to Army Emergency Relief, Yankee Air Force - Michigan Flight Museum, and Hosparus Health.