Mr. Alan Hayward of Yorkton, formerly of the Atwater district, beloved husband of Aileen Hayward passed away July 30, 2017 at the age of 90 years. Alan was born in 1926 near Atwater, SK, the youngest son of George and Elsie (Lloyd) Hayward. He obtained his education at Fertile Belt School. He worked for a brief time at the mine in Flin Flon, returning to farm in the Atwater district. In 1953, on June 30, he married the pretty schoolmarm, Miss Aileen Cornell. Together they enjoyed their life on the farm, as well as two years working in Medicine Hat in the late 1950s. They joyfully welcomed their son Keith to their lives, and added a new "daughter" Debbie to the family when Keith and Debbie married in 1986. Aileen and Alan contentedly worked and lived on the farm till 2014, when finally, at their kids' urging, they finally made the big move to Yorkton. The farm and the cattle were everything to Alan. There was nothing that came before these two things. Aileen would probably have to think long and hard to remember a year when they actually celebrated their anniversary or her birthday on the actual day!Even on Alan's birthday, which he shared with his great-nephew Jeremy, company would often be sitting by the table for a birthday celebration, but waiting while the guest of honour made one more round in the field or hauled in another load of rocks or bales! Alan still had cattle up until 2014. They were his pride and joy. Alan did not have many interests or hobbies, but he did enjoy music. He was a proud member of the Welsh choir, and enjoyed listening to country music or gospel music. He enjoyed a good game of crib, and enjoyed visits with neighbors. He also followed the Toronto Blue Jays closely. Alan was a man of few words, but was always willing to help a neighbor if he could. He also enjoyed collecting tools, usually multiples, and had several of everything out in his quonset! Alan loved the farm dogs Hobo, and later Rover, both of whom mysteriously appeared and chose the farm as the place they wanted to call home. Alan also loved Abe, the large horse he won in a draw, and Keith and Debbie's dogs Lady and Toby when they came to visit. Alan was predeceased by his parents, George and Elsie Hayward; his brother Clifford in infancy; his brother Denis in 1993; his sister Evelyn Ayers in 1995 and brother-in-law Willis Ayers in 2001; his grandson Nathan in 1995; his uncle Ernie Lloyd in 1993; nephew Ron Ayers in 2001; great-nephew Warren Ayers in 2012; and Debbie's mother Mary Diakuw in 2011. He leaves his wife Aileen, son Keith and daughter-in-law Debbie, all of Yorkton; Debbie's sister Margie of Saskatoon; his sister-in-law Mildred of Kelowna, BC; niece Marilyn and husband Rob Cannon of Watrous and their family; nephew David and his wife Peggy Hayward of Winnipeg; as well as long-time friends from the Atwater area, and new-found friends in Yorkton. Thank you for taking the time to visit Alan either in hospital or at the nursing home, those times meant so much to him. Thank you for the gift of your presence here today: Alan would be so pleased.
"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on."
                                                                        -Robert Frost
The Funeral Service was held on Friday, August 4, 2017 at Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Rev. Roland Legge of St. Andrew's United Church officiating. The organist, Amanda Buhler led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, 'How Great Thou Art', 'Be Not Afraid' and 'Day is Done'. Words of remembrance and appreciation were shared by Keith Hayward. Scripture readings and a tribute were given by Debbie Hayward. The interment followed in the Garden of Memories at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Keith & Debbie Hayward serving as the urn bearers. Memorials honouring Alan's life may be made to the S.P.C.A. as gifts of remembrance. Condolences can be sent to the family at
www.baileysfuneralhome.com.
