Gordon Hayward

Devoted husband to Debi White, proud father to Melissa Hayward Bopp (Christopher Bopp) and grandfather to Maggie and Avery Bopp (State College, Pennsylvania), loving brother to Timothy Hayward (Wanda Murphy) (Mount Pearl, NL), loyal confidant to sister-in-law Bev Amiro and cousins Patti and Mike Adam (Ann McCarten) Debbie McLoughlin (Al), Gail Collins (John) , John Griffin (Mary), Kathy Sloan (Ken), Tom Hurst (April McAllister) and Jackie Hurst (Perry Normore) and supportive uncle to Sandra, Paul and Angela Hayward; he will be greatly missed. He was predeceased by his parents Margaret “Peggy” (Hatcher) and Kenneth Hayward and brother Gregory Hayward.

Gord’s contributions to Dartmouth have had long-lasting impacts and touched many lives. He was a dedicated member of the Dartmouth community in such roles as Director of the North Woodside Community Centre for many years. As member and past president of the Austenville Owls Club (and 2019 Owl of the Year), he took the reins from brother Greg as the Natal Day Parade Chair and continued his corralling of hundreds of parade floats and marchers during his tenure. He enjoyed the camaraderie and verbal sparring of his fellow Owls whether assisting in the kitchen or a Friday Happy Hour and more recently many afternoon cribbage games. The many friends he made there such as Steve and Ash are too numerous to name. As President of Melissa’s Westphal Port Wallace Girls’ Softball Association team, “Coach Hayward” led them to two provincial championships and coached for seven years. His devotion to his community was passed down from his mom, Peg and carried on with his brothers Greg and Tim. He had fond memories of his dad, Ken for building, fishing and summer “cabin” life.

A 1973 graduate of Prince Andrew High School, Gordie was a “baller” and remained friends with many of his teammates. His friendships stretch far and wide and he could never make it through the Saturday morning Alderney Farmers Market without stopping to talk with many folks. That would be after his Saturday morning coffee klatch with cousin, Patti which evolved from walking dogs to just solving the problems of the world. He was always quick to lend a hand. He cherished his time hunting and fishing with friends like Mike and Clyde and family in Meisners Section and will always be known for his culinary contributions at “Greg’s camp, Riverside Lodge.” Bev and Sandra ensured the tradition continued.

He will have enthusiastic greetings at the Rainbow bridge from many of his canine companions, particularly Zoey.

Gordie was a public works employee with Halifax Regional Municipality, supervising snow and ice control for many years to earn his informal title of “Snow God” before his retirement in 2014. Friendships formed with Andy and many others were lifelong. He was very pleased to mentor a new friend, Darrin. Also with the provincial government and L. J. Casavechia Contracting, he enjoyed working with many people throughout his career, forming many friendships. He will be remembered for his respectful, thoughtful and caring nature as well as his quick wit. We hope with full hearts that he is reunited with his best friend, Phil Thornton.

During his time with Deb, he had many camping and hiking adventures, gatherings and celebrations. Road trips were always a highlight, many with Anne and Stephen. Gardening was a wonderful excuse to chat with great neighbours like Susan and Grant and tourists and other strollers along the Harbour Walk Trail.

Gordon fancied himself as a BBQ pitmaster, cribbage champion, bridge whiz (only reason for the daily paper was for the bridge hand), blizzard wizard, imposing pickleball dinker (or smasher), king of naps, master gardener, avid reader, attentive host and chef and top fan of the Leafs, Packers and Jays. Most impressively, Gord was known as a caring and supportive father and grandfather and will leave a big hole in our hearts.

Donations in memory of Gord may be made to North Woodside Community Association, Margaret’s House or a charity of your choice. At Gord’s request, no service will be held.