DeHaven William Fleming

It is with deep sadness that we share the unexpected passing of our beloved husband and father, DeHaven Fleming. He died peacefully in the care of hospice with his family at his side on Sept 10, 2024 after complications from recent heart surgery. De is survived by his wife, Windie, with whom he had just celebrated 59 years, his two sons, Tristan and Brock, whom he deeply loved and took great pride in, their wives, Marina and Jess, and four grandchildren whose love, intelligence, individuality, and spirit gave him endless joy.

DeHaven attended the University of Florida when Steve Spurrier was their quarterback and remained a proud, die-hard Gator. At UF he earned a BS in Science Education and a Juris Doctorate. He and Windie met through his fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi, where he was chosen Archon and began his lifelong ability to mentor and lead. He was an integral part of overseeing the building of the new fraternity house designed by Paul Rudolph.

De and Windie married in 1965 and embarked on their diverse and adventurous life together, propelled by De’s energy, enthusiasm and eagerness to be immersed and enriched through varied cultures, countries and ideas. When his law school studies were interrupted he began teaching science at Venice Junior High. Eager for travel and new challenges, he accepted a science position at The American School in Switzerland (TASIS) in Lugano and was appointed Middle School Head his third year there. He completed a summer International Law program at Cambridge and Warsaw and returned to the States to complete his law degree, when in 1976, he and Windie elatedly welcomed their first son, Tristan. DeHaven practiced law with Sheppard Law Firm in Ft Myers, then joined a partnership with William Boylston in Sarasota. However, when he was invited back to TASIS to again offer leadership, his life career choice became instantly clear. His passion for educating, encouraging and relating to young people, gaining broad educational perspective and tackling profound challenges of international living and educating, were set. De headed TASIS on the Collina d’Oro for four years, then was asked to head TASIS England in Surrey, where he served two years before returning to New Hampshire for a sabbatical year and a long awaited second son, Brock. In 1985 he accepted the headship of Boca Raton Academy which became Pine Crest School, Boca Raton, the following year. He remained a highly respected and deeply admired and appreciated Headmaster there for 20 years. A new challenge and opportunity quickly arose for him to head the Collège du Léman (CDL) near Geneva until he retired in 2008.

He and Windie enjoyed winters in Florida between Boca and Englewood and summers in Colorado spending precious time with family, and traveling most recently to the Ardèche in France where dearest friends reside. Throughout his diverse career paths, rich friendships, and deep family love, De exhibited humor, intellect, honesty and passion. His integrity for social and political issues, fairness, and humanity were steadfast. His four grandchildren adored him, loved his joking and called him Pooba. Each developed a unique bond with him that filled him with so much joy.

There would not be a space large enough to hold everyone whose lives were enriched and forever touched by DeHaven W Fleming. All will remember him in their own personal ways. Per his wishes, no service will be held now, but his family is planning to gather for a very special celebration of his life, encompassing the love, respect, admiration of all his friends, colleagues, students and the many people whose lives he touched.

If you wish to make a contribution in his memory you might consider an educational charity for underprivileged kids, a human rights organization, the Democratic Party, an environmental or parks organization, Doctors Without Borders, or your own chosen charity. De was a devoted, loving and supportive husband, father, grandfather, and friend with an endless sense of humor, exceptional cook with an adventurous palate delighting in international foods, avid gardener, prolific reader, passionate about football, politics, travel, and an insatiable news junky. He will be immeasurably missed.