OBITUARY
Robert Dale Hayward
11 April, 1922 – 30 September, 2022
FAMILY
Remembering Dad Robert Dale Hayward lifetime Colorado resident for 100 years died peacefully of old age on 30 September 2022 in the home where he and his wife, best friend, and partner for over 71 years, Ruth Hoffmann Hayward raised a family on South Corona in Denver. Born 11 April 1922, he is survived by all his children – Bruce (Lori Rosdahl), Daniel, Gregory (Pat Hurd), Philip (Yayoi Sasaguri), and Terese (David Thorp), and five grandchildren – Amy (Clint Cowperthwaite), Kristie (Rob Ferree), Matt, Phil (Danielle Pol), and Isaac (Mary Kozlowski) along with, six great grandchildren – Ben & Abbie Cowperthwaite; Alyssa & Kaylee Ferree; Lucy Hayward, and Milo Hayward. Bob was preceded in death by his wife Ruth Hoffmann Hayward (b. 25 Jan 2024; d. 24 April 2021), one stillborn child, parents Thomas Hayes Hayward (b. 1877 Beaver Crossing, NE; d. 1940) and Jessie Green Hayward (b 1887 Abbot CO, d 1970) and by his 4 siblings, Burton, Glenn, Ronnie Leola, and spouses. The Hayward boys grew up helping their dad who ran a team of horses digging basements and farming fields near home in Denver University area. Bob attended University Grade School, then Grant Junior High and South High. Bob graduated Univ of Colorado, 1950, using the GI Bill (veteran, WWII) and was hired as a mechanical engineer designing large locomotive/truck/plane tools for BK Sweeney MFG Co from 1950 - 1987. His military service was in the Army Radio Corp where he provided invaluable communications at the Battle of the Bulge. Married in 1949, he and Ruth raised their family in a home built with Bob’s brother Glenn (Hayward Construction) in 1953 on South Corona St., joining nearby Our Lady of Lourdes parish which became their community and kids’ grade school. As the five kids grew, Bob worked with scouts as Cub Scout Master (1960’s) and helped with Boy Scouts for at least 15 years. He and Ruth exhibited complimentary parenting skills- tolerant enough (giving their children considerable independence) while demonstrating humility, resourcefulness, conservation, and moral bearing. Bob and Ruth shared a passion for fishing, camping, and hiking in the high country. Early ‘dating’ excursions found both Bob and Ruth with a fishing pole. Family camping and travel– often all seven in a canvas tent – included trips to Jasper/Banff, Yellowstone, countless week-long trips throughout Colorado, many Wisconsin trips to hang with Ruth’s extensive family. Bob’s mechanical engineering impulses meant he rarely passed a broken appliance or item that he didn’t fix. His kids remember his many hours under various Ford autos, replacing a clutch or brakes. His first car, a ‘24 Chevy purchased in 1938 for $7.50 was fixed and sold for $15 – the only auto he owned without FORD on its rear. Bob and Ruth worked tirelessly in the Lourdes parish. They helped integrate an immigrant family from Egypt into Denver, serving as their sponsors. Bob was also a motivating force for the ‘Harvard Gulch Flood Control’ project in 1960’s nudging the city to reduce floods like the 1956 series that tore through the family home. Following downsizing at BK Sweeney -- Bob and Ruth embraced his retirement with gusto. They played tennis, x-country skied with friends, and spent considerable time in their life-long passion for camping and travel. A road trip to Alaska in 1993, frequent trips to Wisconsin, ancestor exploration in Germany (Froeling/Hoffmann), and a trip to the Hayward ancestral home in England in 2016 stand out. Bob programed FORTRAN in the 1970’s and enthusiastically adopted a home computer prior to retirement. His kids might say Bob adopted the computer with a little too much zeal, but, records of family genealogy and Hayward/Hoffmann gatherings provide fun insights into the past. In addition to tinkering and tireless home maintenance, Bob was an avid Broncos fan, enjoyed PBS historical/nature programs, and post-dinner “Jeopardy!/Wheel of Fortune” in his later years. Despite smoking as a kid and through mid 1960’s, and with no rigorous program for ‘fitness’, Bob’s dedication to ‘getting things done’ kept him healthy for over 100 years! Pictures show him mowing the lawn with a push electric mower in 2011. At 95 we caught him high on a ladder working on the home gutters. Bob never saw a good reason to stop being active. Still, Time waits for no one and his memories will now sustain his presence among us who knew and loved him. Rest in Peace, Bob, Dad, Grandpa.
PALLBEARERS
Bruce Hayward
Daniel Hayward
Gregory Hayward
Philip Lee Hayward
Matthew Hayward
Philip James Hayward
Isaac Hayward
David Thorp
Services
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