Obituary of Fredrik Haavind

Fredrik “Fred” Haavind, 80, of Glenville passed peacefully on Friday, July 8th, 2022. Born in Buffalo, NY to his late parents, Fredrik and Irene (Goliber) Haavind. For his senior year of high school, he lived in Miami with relatives and graduated from Archbishop Curley Notre Dame High School.

In 1960, Fred entered the United States Coast Guard. After active duty, he went on to college to earn his bachelors degree at Buffalo State College, where he also met the love of his life, the former Paula A. Kost. They were married after graduation and planted their roots in Schenectady County, where Paula was from. 

He worked at John Hancock Life Insurance Company before beginning his own company. He was the proud owner of Varsity Line LTD- a sportswear and sport accessories business in Burnt Hills, NY. Throughout his life, Fred was also enlisted in the United States Coast Guard Reserves.

From an early age, Fred was always interested in sports. His career and personal hobbies reflected his passion for staying active and athletic. He was a fixture at the Glenville YMCA, especially when it came to basketball. He knew the importance of sports in the community, and helped fundraise for a local basketball court. After retiring in 1999, he turned his attention to another favorite sport of his, golfing. For many years, Fred worked at the Saratoga State Park Golf Course. Throughout his active lifestyle, he met countless friends and no matter where he went he almost always knew someone there. 

The Haavind family raised their family in Glenville and attended Mass at Immaculate Conception Church. Fred was a great father, who loved his children and grandsons, who affectionately called him “Papa”. He experienced many vacations with his family and traveled often with his loving wife, Paula. For 10 winters, they were snow birds in Florida where the fun and golf never stopped! Fred enjoyed watching the Buffalo Bills, walking the beach in Florida and being around family and friends. 

He is predeceased by his sister, Linda Kendall. 

To continue his memory is his loving wife of 58 years, Paula Haavind; beloved children, Rik Haavind and Kristen (Chris) Holbert; cherished grandchildren, Jacob and Samuel Holbert; sisters, Maran Zuliani and Irene “Terry” Huse, as well as many other family members, friends, and neighbors.

Calling hours will be held at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd. on Friday, July 15th from 6 to 8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Church of Immaculate Conception in Glenville the next day on Saturday, July 16th at 10 AM. A committal service with military honors will be at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Niskayuna on Monday, July 18th at 11 AM. 

Memorial contributions may be made to East Glenville Fire Company, Inc C/O Fund Drive, 433 Saratoga Road Glenville, NY 12302, or to the Immaculate Conception Church. Online condolences may be made at glenvillefuneralhome.com.