Robert Winthrop Hayward

Robert Winthrop Hayward was born on August 4, 1929, to Milton and Elsa Hayward in Laconia, New Hampshire, and went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 15, 2025. From the family farm, to farm work for others, to the local dairy, and eventually a long career as a purchasing agent for TWA and American Airlines, Bob was known and respected for his strong work ethic. His work even played a role in determining his future family. He met Jean McGilvreay as he delivered milk to her mother. They were married on June 12, 1954. Bob was the first in his family to receive a college degree, working to save money, then attending The University of New Hampshire on an ROTC scholarship. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Economics on June 6, 1954. So they had a busy month! He served in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1957 in Tampa Florida, Cheyenne Wyoming, and Grandview, Missouri. Debbie and Mark were born during those years. At the time of his discharge, Bob and Jean decided to make their home in the Kansas City area. Bob worked for Stratford Engineering, and they made their home in Merriam, Kansas. Mary, Lisa, and Kathy-Jo arrived while there. When Bob began working for Trans World Airlines, they moved to Lake Waukomis, Missouri. Church was an integral part of their lives. Bob served as an Elder at St Luke Presbyterian Church, now GlenHaven Church, for many terms. When Jean suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm in her late fifties, losing her short-term memory, he cared for her with patience and devotion over twenty years until her death in 2006. Bob married Kathy Tumilson in 2008, and they took great care of one another for over seventeen years. He enjoyed Colorado trips with dear friends, bowling, horseshoes, golf, and watching all kinds of sports, sometimes simultaneously. Bob served on the board of the Northland Shepherds Center, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, and was still delivering Meals on Wheels at the age of 80. He was a loving husband, loyal and giving friend to many, and an example of kindness, hard work, faith, and service to his children and grandchildren.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents,his brothers Chet and Bill, his sister Mary, his brother-in-law Ed, his son-in-law Joe Smith, and his grandson Kenny Blackman. He is survived by his wife Kathy; his sister Pat Varney; his children Debbie Blackman(Kent), Mark Hayward (Jodi), Mary Morton (Philip), Lisa Goddard (Brad), and Kathy Bussard (Scott); six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and two great-great -grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Kathy’s son Lance and Lorinda Bryan whose company, kindness, and assistance Bob appreciated so much; his friend and family physician Dr. Chris Kafka and nurse Jonah, for many years of exceptional and above and beyond medical care; Dr. Nicholas Gier, the ER, observation, and sixth floor staff of North Kansas City Health, who showed him and the family such compassion; and the wonderful selfless caregivers at Northcare Hospice House, who allowed him to live his final days here on earth with respect, dignity, and comfort. A memorial service will be held at GlenHaven Church, 4301 NE Vivion Rd, Kansas City, MO on January 2, 2026, with visitation at 5:00, service at 6:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care, 9001 State Line Rd, Ste 300, Kansas City, MO 64114-9918.