James Barrett “Bear” Haviland, at the age of 62, passed away peacefully at his Denham Springs residence on February 24, 2024.
Bear was born October 27, 1961 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was preceded in death by his mother- Bernie Amoroso, grandparents Shirley Pritchett and Walter Pritchett, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He is survived by his daughter Kandice Dominic (Robert), son Chantz Haviland, grandchildren Jacob and Evan Dominic, brother John Leblanc (Sissie Truax), sister Renee Warren (Richard), aunt Nancy Quick, best friend Van Ratclif (Helen), neighbor Ray Walters, and many nieces and nephews. He was affectionately known as Uncle Bear to many regardless of blood relations.
Bear lived a life full of adventure starting with his service in the Marine Corps. When he wasn’t offshore with his company Oceaneering he could be found fishing, tinkering on something mechanical, on the back of a motorcycle, or (most likely) in a deer stand. He loved to take his motorcycle on long trips to beautiful places, especially the mountains of Tennessee. In the rare event that he would pause, he could be found in the rocking chair on the back porch or napping
in his recliner.
Bear never met a stranger that he couldn’t turn into a friend. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and always leave them with a story to tell. He was only ever a phone call away from setting up a hunting or fishing trip. He took great pride in building and customizing firearms and reloading ammunition.
He was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren and was looking forward to seeing his son graduate from Nicholls State University in May. He will be missed by more than we can count and his spirit will live on in the stories shared by his friends and family.
Visitation will take place at Seale Funeral Home in Denham Springs on Saturday, March 2, 2024 from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM and Sunday, March 3, 2024 from 9:00 AM until service time at 12:00 PM. Although we are unable to honor Bear’s request to send his ashes to the moon, his family will have a private ceremony with his cremations at a later date.
6 comments
Keeshea Rogers
March 1, 2024 at 1:28 am
I will remember his sleeping on his boots and bringing me coffee
CHERYLVULLO
February 29, 2024 at 2:06 pm
ONE OF A KIND WONDERFUL MAN AND STRONG AS A PERSON ALWAYS SMILING . LOVE AND MISS YOU BROTHER
Liz Davis
February 29, 2024 at 3:01 am
Such a beautiful tribute to his incredible life! He left an amazing legacy in his children, grandchildren, and all the people affected by the love he gave so freely to everyone! He will be missed by many and celebrated for years to come for all the things he taught all of us.
Kari Walters
February 28, 2024 at 7:38 pm
Beautiful job on his obituary! He was an incredible man. He was so full of love for everyone. We will miss him.
PAUL & DENISE DOMINIC
February 28, 2024 at 6:11 pm
Romans 8:38-39: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
John: 14:1-3: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am.”
“Viya con Dios, Amigo!
Madalyn Warren
February 28, 2024 at 5:46 pm
I hope you’re giving heaven hell and cutting donuts around your recliner up there I love you uncle bear. Oh and find me a good spot for my fish trap. You will be forever Missed. I love you