With broken hearts, surrounded by his mother, wife and daughters, we announce the passing of Eric Hayward on June 17, 2023 after succumbing to a brief battle with meningitis.
Born May 27, 1963 in Edmonton, AB, Eric moved to Thunder Bay at the age of 5. He worked heavy equipment at Great West Timber until the closure of the mill in 2007. He then worked various heavy equipment jobs until what he liked to call his “early retirement”.
Eric loved fishing, camping and watching his HABS. Spending time with his family and friends at the lake were his fondest memories.
Eric was predeceased by his father Hunton and his brother Kevin. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Nancy and daughters Lindsey and Riley who were his pride and joy and what he would call his biggest achievement. Also surviving is his mother Clare Stewardson, sisters Brenda (Allan) and Marvis, his brother Alfred (Linda), as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and his new favourite toy his grandson Levi.
The family would like to acknowledge the tireless care of his ICU doctors Kovach, Hadad and Davenport, as well as the neuro doctors and respiratory therapists and the ICU nurses: Meredith, Jamie, Gerry, Jay, Cat, Ashley, Krista, Tiana, Mike, and Erin as well as all who tended to him in the emergency department. We will be forever grateful for everyone’s efforts.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Eric’s life will be held on Friday, June 23, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Castlegreen Community Centre, 213 Castlegreen Drive with interment following at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
If friends so desire, donations may be made in Eric’s memory to Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre, ICU or the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society.
The family would like to acknowledge all the texts, calls, and love we have received during this time.
