A longtime Richmond volunteer is being remembered as a man who put the community first.
Hans Havas, a former Richmond resident, passed away due to stage four pancreatic cancer earlier this month and was known for many of his titles including the former chair of the West Richmond Community Association, and chair of the Richmond Seniors Advisory.
A celebration of life event is being held at Vancouver's Nat Bailey Stadium at 1 p.m. on Aug. 17.
Timothy Havas, Hans' son, described his dad as a community-oriented person.
The family and community chose the Nat Bailey Stadium as Hans worked at the stadium for 46 years and was well-loved by everyone, explained Timothy.
"His biggest thing was really making the community better for those who lived in Richmond," he said.
Timothy added that even after his father moved from Richmond to South Surrey "for a change of pace," he continued to volunteer in Richmond.
"Up to dad's dying days he was still on every board he was on in Richmond for when he lived in Richmond."
During Hans' time on the board for West Richmond, he worked on upgrades to make the community more inclusive, especially for those with disabilities and the elderly, explained Timothy.
Hans was also widely known as the head usher at Nat Bailey Stadium and also worked at BC Place and Rogers Arena.
"He was on the leadership and inclusion council to develop BC Place to have more inclusivity and diversity within the fan base and how to include them," said Timothy.
"He spearheaded ... a program to support neurodivergent individuals and those on the spectrum so they can enjoy the venue and event, and have the ability to cope with the overwhelmingness of it all."
Don Taylor, Hans' friend and current chair of the West Richmond Community Association, described Hans as a leader.
"He is just that kind of leader who could get things done and take charge," said Taylor. "He was an active contributor to the community. Hans always put the community and other people's well-being first before himself."
Taylor told the Richmond News Hans volunteered at schools managing the cafeterias and working with kids with disabilities.
"There was nothing in it for Hans other than the satisfaction of knowing that what he was doing was on behalf of Richmond and the people benefiting from it."
Those wanting to attend the celebration of life can RSVP to the Facebook page or by emailing Timothy at [email protected].
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