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Hayward Blackledge Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Hayward Blackledge
Sponsored by Angela Blackledge.
Angela Blackledge
September 18, 2023
I can´t believe it has been 15 years
Still Miss You honey. You are Forever Loved
October 11, 2015
Listening to Pharoah Sanders and remembering Buz.... met him in 69 Boston,,,, may your new rebirth be a glorious one
Alexandra Blackledgejohnson
November 24, 2014
My darling "Little Brother,"
I've loved you since BEFORE you were born.I've loved you EVERYDAY of your life. I'll love you EVERYDAY OF mine.Until forever, HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
Love and miss you, terribly.
"BaBa"
September 17, 2014
Six years ago I lost my Best Friend and Husband. It seems like yesterday. Love Always Hayward.
Angela and Hayward in Maine
Angela Blackledge
September 17, 2014
Angela and Hayward in Sonoma
Angela Blackledge
September 17, 2014
Angela and Hayward in Sonoma
Angela Blackledge
September 17, 2014
September 19, 2013
Here I am again my Dearest.
Can it possibly be 5 years?
Yes, it is, and it still feels like yesterday and forever since you left.
Thanks for all your help in getting me better.
Keep Those messages coming.
Always & Forever Loved
Angela
Angela
April 10, 2013
I Love U Hayward
Alexandra BlackledgeJohnson
November 23, 2012
Happy Birthday Dear Buz,
I'm thinking of you today on your birthday and lighting a candle in your honor. I love you so very much.
"Ba Ba"
Circa 1952 My Little Drummer Boy
Alexandra BlackledgeJohnson
September 18, 2012
My dear brother,
The days have passed but your memory remains with me always. Last year I prayed for you at the chapel at Holy Name in Providence. This year I cannot get out to church,but you know that my many warm memories of our shared childhood and adulthood warm me and cheer me. You're the only brother I've ever had. I must have done something right for God to have given me such a precious gift. I heard you in the thunder last night. Beat those drums! You are, always have been, and remain "My Sweet Prince." I love and miss you, dearly.
"BaBa"
Angela Blackledge
September 19, 2011
In Memory of My Best friend and Husband, Hayward Sylvester Blackledge III
I just want one more day with you
I'm so sad and depressed
Is all I want to do is rest
I go to sleep at night
But my dreams I just can't fight
I think of you lying in that bed
And wonder if there is anything I could have said
I wish you were still here
But I know that you are still near
I love you more than you know
I just wish you didn't have to go
I just want one more day with you
And I know that's what you would have wanted too
I miss you more and more each day
There is so much more we had to say
I know I will see you again
But now, my life has just started to begin again.
YOU are forever Loved
Alexandra BLackledgeJohnson
September 18, 2011
For My Brother,My Sweet Prince,My Buz
God looked around His garden
And He found an empty space
He felt He also needed more music
He then looked down on this earth
And saw your beautiful but tired face
He put His arms around you
And lifted you to rest
God's garden surely must be beautiful
He always takes the best
He knew you were suffering
He knew you were in pain
He knew that you would never
Get well on earth again
He saw that the road was getting rough
And the hills hard to climb
So He closed your weary eyelids
And whispered "Peace be thine"
It broke our hearts to lose you
But you didn't go alone
For part of us went with you
That day three years ago
When God called you home
Alexandra BlackledgeJohnson
December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas to my "Little Drummer Boy",
I'm thinking of you with love on this Christmas Eve and remembering when you'd serve on the altar while Mommy, Daddy, Suzi and I, and our extended family, knelt in prayer. We couldn't wait to get home so we could sip hot chocolate and open ONE special present before racing off to bed until the time came to wake the parents and rush downstairs to see what was under the tree.
As time passed, you'd always make it home for Christmas, usually with a friend or two in tow. What a grand celebration we'd have.
This Christmas, I'll keep you in my heart and mind. You get to celebrate with the King.
Merry Christmas my sweet prince, and my dearest brother.
Love,
"Ba"Ba"
Alexandra Johnson
November 23, 2010
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DEAREST L'IL BRO'
On this day soooo many years ago, a bright light entered this world. Hayward Sylvester Blackledge,III, would become a magnifient moniker one day that many would remember fondly, but you will always carry the name I gave to you - my playful, get into everything, my first and favorite playmate, later to become dear confidant, my adored "Buzzy".
Your brilliant bright light shines today as glowingly as it did fifty nine years ago. Happy Birthday, my sweet prince. You certainly did light up this world.
Loyeya,
Big Sis,
Alex
September 17, 2010
My Husband of 23 years, Hayward Sylvester Blackledge III, passed over on Sept. 18th 2008, 2 years this Saturday. I miss my best friend :(
Hot Air Balloon Ride
September 17, 2010
September 17, 2010
At a Holiday party 2007
September 17, 2010
Uncle Hayward (Buz) and Mars 2007
September 16, 2010
September 15, 2010
My dearest little brother,
Two years ago you left us for eternal life in Heaven. You have seen the face of God. You've reunited with Mommy,Daddy,family and friends. While I rejoice for you, for you suffered so in those last few weeks, I can't help but missing you terribly.
Selfishly, I wanted/needed to share more time with you. I still do, Buz. I yearn to hear your voice saying,"Mrs. Johnson?" "Hayward, here." I wish to hear you laugh. I want to argue about The Falcons vs. The Patriots. I want to discuss the finer points of President Obama's Health Plan and Boston and Atlanta Politics,too. I want to talk about books. I'll even let you talk about The Yankees and music, of course, music. I guess you're drumming and jamming for Jesus these days. There's been some mighty thunder since you left.
If it's true that Heaven is just a breath away, I know you'll receive this with all the hugs, kisses and love it contains. If you can, talk to The Almighty and send a big thunder clap over my head on the 18th. I'll know that even though you now reside in Paradise that you love and miss me too.
You're the only brother I'll ever have or want. Your big sister misses and loves you, mightily.
Love,
Your "Ba "Ba"
Alexandra Blackledge Johnson
September 16, 2010
Ingrid John
December 30, 2009
December 30, 2009
Dear Angela,
You were in my thoughts today. My email was returned as undeliverable and as a result of googling your name, I found The Guest Book you kept on behalf of Haywood. Please know that you are always in my prayers.
Ingrid John
Anderson Kurtz
July 20, 2009
Alexandra:
I am just now learning of Haywood's death. Cleveland sent me a Boston Globe link. I am so sorry to hear. I mourn his passing; and belatedly, I will keep you in prayer.
Anderson Kurtz
Irina Y. Gelman
April 1, 2009
Dear Angela,
Please accept my deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. My heart and thoughts are with you. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you or your family.
With love and sympathy,
Irina
Alexandra Blackledge Johnson
October 8, 2008
TO ALL THE KIND PEOPLE WHO'VE SENT CODOLENCES:
You have our profund thanks and sincere gratitude. The Prov. Journal would have you believe that Buz lived, married and died. If you have googled other sources, you will learn that
Yes, he was married to Angela Hardie Blackledge. They spent 22 wonderful years together.
When Buz came to Boston he still had "wild oats" to be sown.
After those years, he attended the Berkley School of Music to
pursue his life long dream of becoming a very good drummer.
He became a GREAT drummer and he backed up Patti LaBelle, Tavares and others at Paul's Mall, The Jazz Workshop and The Sugar Shack in Boston. He was also the yougest teacher at Berkley.
Later, this "renaissance man", my beloved brother and my "Buzzy" first , attended Harvard University to study law and even became a professor of Law at Harvard and an adjunct professor of law at Bentley College. He worked for Mayor Ray Flynn and was awarded a commendation from Mayor Flynn for monitoring elections in Alabama during the still turbulent 1980"s.
He was always involved with community service and community action. That involvement conyinued untill his passing. His love of jazz continued and he formed "The Hayward Blackledge Quartet", they did supper club entertaining at THE SABRA Restaurant in Newton, MA. He spent half the year in Newton,MA and the other half in Boca Raton, FL. He is Angela's true love but he'll always be my "sweet prince."
Sandra (Alexandra) Johnson
Kim Dailey-Clark
October 5, 2008
Dear Sandra, Suzanne & Family, I am so sorry to hear of "Buzzy's" passing. On behalf of my family (Jo-anna, George and my mother, you have our deepest sympathy and are in our prayers.
Richard and Marcia Lewis
October 3, 2008
Dear Angela and Family... we are saddened to learn of Hayward's passing. We wondered about the drum roll in the Heavens last month.
Our sympathies and prayers for all.
The "Moonlight in Vermont" couple.
Terry Baillie
September 26, 2008
I am sorry to hear of Hayward's passing.
We met at a small, and quickly defunct, company (Tradefax) in Boston in the early 90s. We remained in touch over the years and I always enjoyed it when we did catch up as there was usually something interesting happening in his life.
Is there a particular charity he was fond of that I could make a donation in in his memory?
Again, I am sorry for your loss.
Terry
Chester Melvin Soares, Jr
September 26, 2008
I'm deeply saddened by the crossing over of my old friend Buzzy. We met in the 5th grade at Tyler School in Providence, RI. We would often hang out together after school with Jack McCabe and Paul Roy. In the late 60's and early 70's, I would visit him quite often in Mission Hill section of Boston. We would go shopping for clothes and later go clubbing in the area, seeing groups like Weather Report. We would always compare notes on what we had heard. He was a great influence on my own musical development, exposing me to certain LPs and musicians. In fact, this Labor Day, I heard the song "Funky Nassau". The song brought back memories of Buzzy practicing to it on a drum pad. He must have played the song 50 times!! It was all good! The first time I saw Buzz perform was in a Boston club with Victor Brazil's "Os Cinco". I was blown away by Buzzy's talent.
My deepest sympathies go to his sisters Sandra and Suzanne and his wife Angela.
Wil Davis
September 25, 2008
Wil Davis
September 25, 2008
Irene Holmes
September 24, 2008
My Heart and sympathies go out to Sandra and Suzanne on the lost of their brother Buzzy.
Nellie Buzzy's mom was my dearest friend and neighbor . As I look back at some of my old family photos I often spot
Sandra and Buzzy somewhere among the other children.Buzzy
with his white shirt and Bowtie and Sandra with her buffy sleeve dress are etched in my memory. They were wonderful
talented children and I will always remember those days when
we lived as a village sharing the responsibility of taking care of each other.
After all these years my children and I remember
the Blackledge's with fondness and love. God Bless you all
To Buzzy's wife Angela God Bless and keep you .
Mrs Irene Holmes and Family (Providence)
Irene Holmes
September 24, 2008
My Heart and sympathies go out to Sandra and Suzanne on the lost of their brother Buzzy.
Nellie Buzzy's mom was my dearest friend and neighbor . As I look back at some of my old family photos I often spot Sandra and Buzzy somewhere among the other children.Buzzy with his white shirt and Bowtie and Sandra with her buffy sleeve dress are etched in my memory. They were wonderful talented children and I will always remember those days when we lived as a village sharing the responsibility of taking care of each other.
After all these years my children and I remember the Blackledge's with fondness and love. God Bless you all
To Buzzy's wife Angela God Bless and keep you .
Mrs Irene Holmes and Family
Wil Davis
September 24, 2008
Angela,
I'm so sorry to hear the sad news about Hayward; please accept my deepest condolences,
- Wil
Donna Huntley-Newby
September 23, 2008
To the family of Hayward Blackledge,
My sincere condolences to the Blackledge Family on the passing of my childhood friend "Buzzy." My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Gina Stallworth-Gholston
September 23, 2008
Susan, my deepest condolences to you and your family.
Gina (SXA 1979)
Reginald Fowler
September 23, 2008
I sincerely send my deepest sympathies to the family of "Buzzy" Blackledge.Buzzy was a kind spirit who seemed to always be a trend setter and a person to admire.We had great times playing in bands together beginning in high school.He will be truly missed.
Jack McCabe
September 23, 2008
To the wife and family of Hayward,
Please accept my expressions of sadness and condolences during this difficult time.
I haven't seen Buzzy since the wake of his dad several years ago.
Buzzy and I were boyhood friends as well as classmates at the Tyler School in Providence during the early sixties.
I lost touch with him when we graduated to different high schools and colleges.
I remember his forward thinking Mom allowed him to host "salt and pepper" parties, to create mixed social mingling events, very untypical in those years. I still remember those clearly even today.
I remember his older sister Sandra as well as his younger sister Suzanne putting up with us, but we were never disallowed access in his home.
Hayward, as he was addressed by the good Sisters at Tyler, insisted on signing all his school work with his own personal touch, "Buzzy B. III"! Not surprisingly he was always the independent!
I regret that we didn't keep in touch over the years since.
My prayers and thoughts are with you all...
Christine Portner
September 23, 2008
Dear Angela,
Words cannot express how sad I was to hear about the passing of your husband Hayward. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
Renee Croxen
September 23, 2008
Angela, my dear friend,
What wonderful memories I have of my times with you and Hayward. He was loved by so many people and he will be deeply missed. The pictures posted online
of Hayward brought a smile to my face:).
if you need me for anything, I'm there.
Love,
Renee
Barb Astler
September 22, 2008
Dearest Angela,
I am so very sad to hear about Haywards passing. I remember so clearly his gentle spirit and laugh and his calming demeanor. He was your music and you were his and I always admired your love for each other. I know that God's love is surrounding him and I am praying for you that God wraps his loving arms around you and your family in this desperate time. Thinking of you and praying for you. Love and Peace, Barbs
Judi O'Neal
September 22, 2008
Dear Susan, I'm deeply sadden for your lose of your brother Buzzy. My prayers are with you and family always.
"May the joy of the Lord be your Strength"
Love Yah Cuz, "Kitten"
Bob Fowler
September 22, 2008
I was shocked to hear about Buzzy's passing. We played many gigs back in the 70's, and Buzzy's drum solos were some of the best I've ever heard. Buzzy was truly a more than special spirit. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Patricia Davis
September 22, 2008
Dear Angela, Both Tom and me are very sorry for your lost.
Gwendolyn Andrade
September 22, 2008
My condolences to the family; Suzanne (SXA Class of 1979) you are in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Bobbie Kydd
September 22, 2008
Angela, your warm and affable presence at our summer music parties has meant so very much to us. Hayward has been gifted in so many ways, artistically and musically, but most importantly to have had you by his side. You are in our prayers. Bobbie & Ed.
ed kydd
September 22, 2008
Angela,
Bobbie and I were moved to sadness by the passing of Hayward. I stood by the spot where his drum kit sat at our summer parties up here in Nashua. He will be deeply missed.
Ed and Bobbie Kydd
Annemarie Rosa
September 22, 2008
Dear Angela, Tom and I send our love,prayers and deepest sympathy. Please know that you are being thought of every day. God Bless Hayden and may he rest in peace knowing that you are loved by many friends and family.
Mark Ross
September 22, 2008
Angela,
I'm extremely sorry to hear about the lost of your husband Hayward. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. If you there is anything I can do for you or your family please let me know.
Deepest Sympathy,
Ophelia Howe
September 21, 2008
Dearest Angela, I knew Hayward through you and know how deeply you cared for each other. Because I know you and care for you I know that you did every thing humanly possible to add to his life and to lovingly tend to him and his needs in his final illness. Love, Ophelia
Elaine McInnis
September 21, 2008
Angela, I am so sorry to hear about Hayward. My husband and I send our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Elaine and Dan McInnis
Nancy Mann and Ron Rice
September 21, 2008
Hayward always lit up the room with his charismatic smile, jokes, and presence. Even we, who were on the periphary, could sense his deep love for his wife Angela and for his dear friend, Devell and the way he treated and loved Avery like a nephew.
William 'Bill' Thompson
September 21, 2008
Brother Blackledge, Sandra and I shall forever cherish the good times that we shared with you and Angela during your periodic treks back to Boca. Fine food, music, art, entertainment, good wine and drink. We thank you my good man!
Ted Knowlton
September 21, 2008
Unfortunately I only got to know Hayward during 2007 when we played music together in his band. Right from the start he was special, and I looked forward to a long and growing friendship. Hayward is a major loss for me.
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