LESLIE RALPH HAYWARD

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LESLIE RALPH HAYWARD February 6, 1936 - November 28, 2016 The twinkle in his eye. The mischievous smile. The hearty laugh. All precious memories we will always have of a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, neighbour and friend who lived his life, looking out for those around him. His family is his legacy: wife Margaret, of 61 years, his "kids" Debby, Donna (Randy), Leslie (deceased), Wanda (Todd) and Steven (Tracy); his grandchildren Amber, Brianna, Dustin, Nicole, Rick, Sara, Ashley, Matthew; and his great-grandchildren Crystal, Nicholas, Danielle, Curtis, Justis, Paris, Chole, Macy, Madison and Milo. His half-sisters Lillian, Wendy and Edith, and nephews Wayne, Ivan and Russell were also a special part of his life. Les was raised as the youngest child of Elizabeth and George, together with siblings Betty, Lal, Fred, Jenny, Nanny, Jim, Eva and Dave. His sister Eva tells the story of when she brought her bike home from the city, Dad rode it all weekend and when it was time for her to leave, she didn't have the heart to take it from him. Les attended Swan Creek and later Mary Hill School where his story-telling talents took root, and at age 14, began the next chapter as a hired hand on Dori Sigurdson's farm. Two years later he started working for Siggi Sigfusson - a chapter that would last for 48 years until his retirement, and according to him "every day was a picnic" - a gift that created so many special friendships through his years. In 1955, Les married Margaret Garrity, a match that would last a lifetime. Through their years together, they did it all. They raised five children; in the early days, he trapped and (they) skinned muskrats (up to 200 in one spring); they went to more garage sales than anyone could possibly count - he was the original Manitoba Picker, buying and selling antiques and what-have-you long before the concept hit TV; they bought a farm where the yard and garden became their pride and joy. He had a way with the horses, Trixie and Phoebe - he taught them to speak and to pull a wagon or sleigh, so the whole family could go for a ride; he enjoyed time with the dogs, Grizzly and Skippy. Les encouraged friends to kick up their heels...at the annual corn roast with live music by "the band". Dad believed in hard work, and lovingly joked about how Margaret made him work harder in the garden than he ever did on a Cat. He also subscribed to a modest lifestyle -only exception being his long line of 26 Ford trucks, because it was easier to trade them than clean them or change the tires. He was generous to a fault, often loaning money to others "because I know what it's like not to have a dollar in your pocket". And such is the legacy of Les Hayward. When you smell the aroma of a half-stick of Juicy Fruit gum, when you hear a distant chuckle, when you see the horses peering up into the sky or the corn stalks suddenly shooting up from the ground...you know what that's all about. The family wishes to thank the staff of Eriksdale Hospital for their care and compassion. In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place. And as in life, always together, there will be a service of remembrance for them both some day. We will miss you, Dad. Lundar will never forget you. Arrangements by: ARNASON FUNERAL HOME Ashern - Lundar 1.204.768.2072 1.866.323.3593
Publish Date: Dec 3, 2016

LESLIE RALPH HAYWARD February 6, 1936 - November 28, 2016 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Les, beloved husband to Margaret, Dad to Debby, Donna, Leslie (d), Wanda and Steven. In keeping with his wishes cremation has taken place and as in life, always together, there will be a service of remembrance for both one day. Longer version in Saturday's Free Press. Arrangements by: Arnason Funeral Home Ashern-Lundar 1.204.768.2072 1.866.323.3593

Publish Date: Nov 30, 2016

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 03, 2016