Robert John Haavisto

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Robert John Haavisto, of Jacksonville, passed away, aged 78, on Dec. 18, 2021, following a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

Born on Oct. 9, 1943, and reared in Ironwood, Michigan, Bob was always active. In his youth, he loved skiing, ski jumping, ice skating, camping, biking and fishing. As an adult he continued to ski, camp, deep sea fish, and spear fish when he had time as well as kayaking, canoeing, swimming and scuba diving (in which he held several certifications), eventually, in retirement, adding brewing beer and making wine - all of which were heartily enjoyed by friends and family. His beer/wine label was The Flying Finn, featuring a skier flying through the air. A gourmet cook, Bob regularly treated his family and friends to a remarkable variety of wonderful meals, homemade breads, homemade yogurt, and ethnic recipes, including Finnish (as he was a second generation American born Finn). He loved to travel and was a wonderful traveling companion. An accomplished entrepreneur, Bob owned a variety of companies and spent much of his life in direct sales of cookware. Immediately following graduation from high school, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and served honorably for four years.

Bob is survived by his wife, Janet; daughter, Becky Demastus (Russell); daughter, Lori Allen (George); stepdaughter, Amy Langston (Joe); stepdaughter, Stephanie Beckett (Kirk); grandchildren, Caley Anderson (Conner), Sara Demastus, Jarod Demastus (Rebekah, betrothed), Justin Demastus, Andrew Allen, Macgregor Langston, Christopher Beckett and Katherine Beckett; and sister, Jean Brunell (Roger, deceased). He was preceded in death by his first wife Darlene Theaker when Becky and Lori were young adults.

Cheerful, upbeat, and always smiling, Bob was a devoted family man and friend. He will be missed by so many who knew, respected, and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to pulmonary fibrosis research (pulmonaryfibrosis.org).

A memorial gathering will be held on May 7, from 3 to 6 p.m. at our house (2434 Castellon Drive N., Jacksonville, FL 32217). If you can attend, please email janethaavisto@gmail.com. If you cannot attend, please raise a glass to Bob.