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News / Obituaries / Southampton Press / 1455548

William 'Bud' Kavan of Westhampton Beach Dies

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author on Dec 6, 2016

William “Bud” Kavan of Westhampton Beach and East Quogue died on November 26, 2016, in Westhampton Beach, just four days before his 94th birthday.

Mr. Kavan was a veteran of World War II and a devout family man who returned from that war to raise, nurture and support four children with his wife, Ruth Hughes Kavan, who died in 1987. Following his military service, he dedicated himself to community service, including a decades-long membership and leadership roles at the Westhampton “Sons-of-the Beach” Fire Department. A master carpenter and home builder, his lifelong work includes constructing unique homes on Dune Road and the Westhampton Beach surrounds.

After retirement, he served as the building inspector for the Village of Westhampton Beach, followed by many years of service on the village’s Zoning Board of Appeals and Architectural Review Board. At the core of his values were his attendance and volunteer efforts in the Westhampton Presbyterian Church. Aside from his carpentry skills, Mr. Kavan will be remembered for his strong work ethic, dry sense of humor, handcrafted model trains, hosting game nights, and ability to roast wild game over apple wood fires, survivors said.

He is survived by daughters, Charry MacDonald and husband Paul, Betsy Spencer and husband Rick, and Sally Kavan; son, Bill Kavan and partner Thom McMahon; grandchildren, Ian MacDonald and wife Caitlin, Liza MacDonald, Megan Spencer, Eric Spencer; and great-granddaughters, Riley, Lilly, and Violet. One of eight children, he is also survived by sisters, Virginia Schmiemann, Elizabeth Ashauer, JoAnne Sube; and brothers, Alan Kavan and Thomas Kavan.

A memorial service will be held at the Westhampton Presbyterian Church on Friday, December 30, at 10:30 a.m.

Memorial donations may be made to the Ruth H. and William K. Kavan Scholarship Fund at the Westhampton Presbyterian Church, 90 Meetinghouse Road, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978. Please make checks payable to the church, and note “Kavan Scholarship” in the memo section.

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