Don Martin Hayward III

Don was born on April 11, 1949 in Keene, New Hampshire, to Don M. Hayward JR. and Patricia A. (Russell) Hayward.

After graduating from Keene High School in 1967, Don entered the U.S. Navy, and was a Veteran of the Vietnam War.

Around 1975 “Donnie” hitchhiked cross country, embarking on a new adventure with his dog Tokie. He soon found himself in the small town of Sandy, Oregon, where he met the love of his life, Lori Peterson. They were married in October of 1980, and had two daughters together, April and Kelli. Don made lifelong friendships in Sandy, and found his new home for the next 25+ years.

Don had undeniable talent, and was an accomplished musician. He was a natural pianist and guitar player, and shared his love of it with many. He spent endless nights singing and playing guitar on the back of his pickup or out on the patio with family, friends, and the whole neighborhood around. He enjoyed the outdoors; camping, fishing, boating, riding his four-wheeler, you name it. He loved to travel and was on the road for work; driving long haul (all over the U.S), dump truck, and taxi cab over the years. He was a dreamer and entrepreneur of sorts. Along with his good friend, Don invested in a bucking bull and traveled to rodeos, festivals, and local establishments making a business out of it. He later designed and made toy airplanes, traveling to California and back selling them anywhere he could. He had the time of his life. Although he found great joy in these things, his two daughters and 3 grandsons were his world, and what made his life worth living. He was a proud and loving father and grandfather, who will be deeply missed.

In 2004 life slowed down a bit and he moved back to Keene, where he grew up. He wanted to be closer to his elderly parents, family, and friends that he had missed for all those years.

Don was one of a kind. He will be remembered by his loving heart, and free spirit. Some say he was a little bit of a rebel in his younger years, and he was. He liked to play by his own set of rules. He was fearless. He loved hard, and played hard. He fought for what he believed in, and helped those in need. He was the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back, and the kind of man you'd be lucky to have known. He will forever be in our hearts.

Don is survived by his daughters April and Jesse Turin of Sandy, OR, Kelli and Brendan Donahue of Vancouver, WA; grandchildren, Easton, Teagan, and James; brothers, Mark and Michelle Hayward of Westmoreland, David and Susan Hayward of Keene, family friend/like brother Rod Kirk; nephews Mark and Jeremiah; niece Erin; his K-9 companion and best friend Rufus, and a few close friends that were like family.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Sandy, Oregon, near his daughters and grandchildren.