Gregory Charles Hayward

HAYWARD, Gregory Charles - It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Greg Hayward, age 69 on Wednesday, June 27 at home with his wife by his side. Born in Halifax on March 29, 1949, he was the son of the late Kenneth and Peggy Hayward. He is lovingly survived by his wife Beverley (Amiro) and his precious daughter Sandra (Jeroen VanRooen) and her mother Pat Teasdale, all of Dartmouth. He is also survived by his two brothers Tim (Wanda) Mount Pearl NL and Gordon (Debi) Dartmouth. He will be greatly missed by his 95 year mother-in-law Phyllis Amiro, sister-in-law Donna Amiro and brother-in-law Louis Amiro all of Dartmouth. Greg’s nieces Melissa Bopp, Angela Hayward and nephew Paul Hayward will remember fondly their fun loving uncle. Cousins Patti Adam and Mike(Ann), Debbie McLoughlin(Al), Gail Collins(John) , John Griffin(Mary), Kathy Sloan(Ken), Tom Hurst and Jackie Hurst will always cherish the time they spent with their beloved “cous.” Greg’s first love was his family. He enjoyed sharing time with those who meant so much to him and was always an eager and willing participant in all celebrations especially if it involved cooking which was a passion of his. He had a keen sense of humour and was the life of the party. We will always remember that contagious laugh. His Meisners Section family was so very important to him. He absolutely loved to be at the cottage and participate in the community events. He took great pride in working diligently to make improvements to the cottage and property with the intention and dream of spending many months a year down there. Not to be. His hunting and fishing days with his brother Gordon, being outdoors, splitting wood and making hay with the neighbours were some of his happiest time. Greg was a hard worker from a young age. We all enjoyed the stories he could tell and wondered on many occasions if they may have been exaggerated just a bit. That was Greg. He had many employment opportunities over the years including Service Manager at one or more car dealerships, manager for London Life, salesman with various companies and owner of his own safety equipment business. Greg was an outstanding community member heavily involved as leader in many organizations and events. He was a twenty- five plus year member of the Dartmouth East Rotary Club, Life member of the Austenville Owls Club, served on the Margaret’s’ House Committee, Natal Day Committee including festival chair for three years and Parade Chair for ten , to mention but a few. Dartmouth has lost a great man. He was humbled and honored to receive several awards for his many contributions. He was presented with the Paul Harris Fellow three times for his dedication to Rotary, Dartmouth Cole Harbour Canada 150 Award for outstanding community participation as well as many others. His most recent undertaking was learning to play the ukulele. He had always wanted to play an instrument so with the encouragement of Bev and Catherine he went for it. He took lessons, joined the St John in the Wilderness “String and a Prayer” group and had been playing on Sundays in church with the group and did a concert in Bridgewater the day before he died. He absolutely loved this new challenge and wasn’t a bad player or singer. To say that Greg will be missed by many is an understatement. There will be a huge void in the lives of many of us. Our early morning walks in Shubie Park, strolls through the woods of Meisners Section, and relaxation time together and his wonderful signs and words of affection are special memories never to be replaced. I have truly lost my best friend and the love of my life. Greg’s final act of kindness was the donation for his eye, tissue and bones to the tissue bank. A celebration of live will take place on Monday, July 2 at Church of the Holy Spirit at 11:00am with a reception to follow. Arrangements are under the direction of Mattatalls’ Funeral Home, Dartmouth. Family flowers only. Donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Diabetes Association, SPCA or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be viewed or sent to: www.mattatallfuneralhome.com