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Frank Havens 1923-2018

Published on 7/23/2018

Washington Canoe Club


An American Legend Crosses The Final Finish Line

Four time Olympian, Frank Havens (1923-2018) the WCC Gold Medalist from 1952, died today, July 22, 2018, just days before his 94th birthday. 

Frank was a life-long member of the Washington Canoe Club, his father having introduced Frank and his brother Bill (WCC Olympian, 1948) to the sport as children. Frank was beloved at the WCC and many local and national races and awards are named in his honor, most notably the Frankie Havens 10K raced in the last weekend of October each year. 

Frank was pre-deceased by his beloved wife Katie and surviving are all three children, Dan, Frank Jr. (Chip) and Scott and several grandchildren including WCC’s own Sean Havens. The WCC family offers its deepest sympathies to the extended Havens Family and the many, many club members and paddlers around the country who mourn the passing of this exceptional man.

More about Frank on the WCC

website: https://www.washingtoncanoeclub.org/page/show/3461457-news

Frank Havens was the winner of the first Potomac Downriver Race in 1956.