Guided by the love of his life, his late wife, Darlene Haywood, Tom was immediately detained by security – his grandpuppers, Peso and Pogey – who demanded sufficient snacks and attention before he could proceed to the warm welcome from the many others he'd missed, particularly his sons, Chad and Nathaniel Haywood.
Through his infamous storytelling, he leaves behind a lasting legend, a colorful tapestry rich with tales woven from threads of compassion, wisdom, and humor. In those memories, his Spirit will forever linger, shining the warmth of his light through the smiles he coaxes whenever he's remembered.
Throughout his life, Tom's creative spirit, mischievous mind and joyful heart came through at both work and play.
Born in Antigonish and raised in Manasette Lake, Bernard "Tommy" Haywood was the youngest of 12 siblings...known for sneaking into the back of vehicles anytime they left for town. As his brother Ross said "The car didn't go to town without Tommy in it".
Tom regaled family and friends with countless stories of his youth, from tales at school and church to working in the woods, hunting and fishing with his siblings, playing ice hockey and spending Christmas with family, all of which he looked back on with great reverence.
Tom worked at various labour jobs growing up, including a tobacco farm and Dofasco steel in Hamilton, Ontario. After meeting his Wife Darlene, he settled on entrepreneurship. First, owning "Alleycat Video" in Dartmouth, N.S.
In 1980, alongside his brother Mel Haywood, they opened up "Hairs To Ya" Barbershop which became a staple of Quinpool Rd in Halifax, N.S. Tom was later joined by his nephew, Tim Haywood before retiring in 2012. Under new ownership now, "Hairs To Ya" still stands today.
Tom spent a great deal of his leisure time, returning to Guysborough to enjoy Hunting at his cabin with family and friends, camping at Ragged Head and fishing at MacPherson Lake.
He also enjoyed travelling through the United States and the Caribbean and couldn't seem to go anywhere without running into people he knew...with plenty of stories of "predicaments" along the way.
A history buff, Tom loved to tell ghost stories, jokes, pull pranks and most of all, enjoyed music. A musician most of his life, he played many instruments including piano, harmonica, accordion and his favorite, guitar. He believed music brought people together and would happily play after "One more beer and one more smoke."
He found solace in the outdoors and delighted in sharing his passions with others. A generous man with a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures in life, Tom approached each day with a sense of wonder and adventure.
His love for family and friends was his chorus, the summertime his melody. His greatest hit was becoming "Grampy" to his four grandchildren.
Tom is predeceased by his wife, Darlene Haywood; sons, Chad and Nathaniel Haywood; mother, Helen Haywood; father, Hilton Haywood; brothers; Howard (Dolly) Haywood, Ernie (Bonnie) Haywood, Carl (Sue) Haywood, Cyril (Barbara) Haywood, Ray (Bernice) Haywood, Samuel (Shirley) Haywood, Melvin Haywood; and sister, Patricia (Bill) Canty.
Tom is lovingly remembered and survived by his son, Jeremy Haywood; and daughter-in-law, Tonya (Chad) Feetham-Haywood. Tom leaves behind four cherished grandchildren, Christian, Ryan, Nikolas and Lila Haywood. He is further survived by his brother, Ross (Norah) Haywood; sisters, Mary (Harold) Chisolm, Lorraine (Bryce) Sanford and Dianne (Wayne) DeCoste; and dear friends, the family he chose: Doug & Bonnie Seaboyer, Debbie (Everett) Deyarmond, Louis and Molasses George.
Special thanks goes out to his niece, Heather Coles who cared for him at the time of his passing.
Tom spent his life harmonizing love, laughter, and adventure with those he held dear.
A vigil will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Parish at 3294 Marine Dr. in St. Francis Harbour on Sunday, August 3rd at 2 p.m. followed by a celebration of life at his residence.
Online condolences may be made to www.invernessfuneralhome.com
