Walter “Walt” Francis Haviland, of Fayston and formerly Mamaroneck, New York, died peacefully at his home on Monday, January 11, 2016. He was 88. Walt was the son of Lawrence and Edith Haviland of Mamaroneck, New York.
Walt worked for over 45 years as a wallpaper hanger. He was highly sought after for his extraordinary artistry. An interior decorator once implored him to take a job wallpapering a palace in Saudi Arabia. He designed and drew the plans for his homes in New York and Vermont as well as the White Plains Ski Club lodge at Mad River Glen. He built his home in Mamaroneck as well as several spec homes.
Walt was a car enthusiast who owned exotic cars in his early years and participated in road rallies and drag racing before starting a family. He owned a speed boat and was an accomplished water skier.
Walt and his wife, Ave, met on a White Plains Ski Club trip to the Adirondacks where he bent his brand new metal skis and decided to go “check out the cute chick on the Bunny Hill.” They would have been married for 57 years this January 31.
He instilled a love for outdoor pursuits in his family including sailing on Long Island Sound, family camping trips and five-hour car trips nearly every winter weekend to the White Plains Ski Club lodge dodging speed traps and snowstorms.
Walt and Ave moved to their dream retirement home in Fayston in 1992. They enjoyed travel, road biking and skiing. Walt especially enjoyed telling his two working sons what great weekday ski days they had missed.
Walt is survived by his wife, Ave M. Haviland of Fayston; son, Chris Haviland and his children Samantha and Nate of Hinesburg; and son, Mark Haviland and his son Louis Haviland of Fayston.
A memorial service will be planned at a later date.
