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John Hayward Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for John Hayward
5 Entries
Barb Smith
February 25, 2012
I would like to extend my sincere condolences to Dr Hayward's family. He was my physiology professor at UVic back in 1986/87. He was, without a doubt, the funniest, most inspirational and gifted educator I had the privilege to study under while pursuing my undergraduate degree. I am speaking for many Biology students when I say that we always looked forward to his lectures. I was very saddened to hear of his struggle with dementia and his passing.
David Beatty
February 22, 2012
John was my colleague during the time he held a position in the Department of Zoology at the University of Alberta. I joined the department in 1964 and I believe John joined in 1965 after his Post-doctorate at Harvard University. We taught comparative physiology and had many enjoyable times discussing the lecture material along with the laboratory exercises. I remember the spirited basketball games the staff played against the graduate students. John played with great intensity and skill. John was a valued colleague and friend. I am saddened to know of his death. My condolences to Mary and his children and their families.
Steven Miller
February 20, 2012
My condolences to Dr. Hayward's family. In 1972 to 1973, I was a student in Dr. Hayward's comparative physiology course at UVic. It was one of the best in the Biology department. Dr. Hayward's lectures were interesting and he was an excellent teacher who had a unique teaching style popular with the students. I remember at one lecture, Dr. Hayward arrived with "something" in a box that he put onto the lectern at the front of the class. He proceeded to talk about the day's subject, I think it had something to do with Endocrinology. As the class progressed, that something in the box "awoke". It was a hibernating animal, a woodchuck I believe. I also remember that many of the students in the class volunteered for prolonged immersion in the cold water tubs which Dr. Hayward used for his hypothermia studies. He loved being a professor, enjoyed interacting with students and inspired me to become a physiologist. I am saddened to hear of his passing.
Nina Mah
February 18, 2012
Inspiring professor, sorry to hear of his passing.
Shelley Mahon
February 18, 2012
One of my first memories of Uncle John was “…Gee he talks funny.” I don't remember exactly how old I was at the time (I know it was pretty young) but I'm fairly certain it was my first time hearing an accent from another country.
Uncle John and Aunty Mary would base themselves in Bethanga when they came to Australia, but would visit on weekends for dinner at our house in Wodonga with my mum and dad, and two older brothers. Uncle John maintained a healthy lifestyle whether it be walking, running, eating the right foods – the occasional drop of alcohol shared at meal times with my parents even as he got older he was still one of the fittest people I knew.I remember he would go running before dinner sometimes and although he would ask me to go along with him I would always decline. However about five minutes later I would have the sudden urge to ride my bike and head out after him – deftly following him so as not to be seen. I never found out if he knew I was following him or not (he probably did – not much escaped his attention) but it didn't stop him heading off and me following behind him.
Being the youngest in a family with two older brothers who didn't always want to play with their younger sister Uncle John wouldn't hesitate in challenging me to a game of tennis when he was in town. Fancying myself as a young Steffi Graf I was always eager to take him on whether it is by ourselves or with the rest of the family. The tennis courts in Wodonga and Bethanga certainly got a workout when I was growing up and my Canadian challenger was visiting. In Bethanga I remember we would have to go into the spare room looking for rope to make into a net because the courts out there didn't have a net at all. The old concrete courts with weeds growing out of them were heavily pounded until we were both exhausted (more likely it was me who was exhausted) or I conceded defeat and we returned to Grandma's for tea.
As most of you already know he was smart. Not just your average every day smart but he was clever he could fix anything, could talk about anything and would often educate us on things we often thought little about. He used to think that we thought he was boring – that wasn't the case. He was just so intelligent I couldn't get my head around how one man could know so much. I was young still growing up and here was my Uncle who could tell me about almost anything. I would often return to school sprouting the information and knowledge I had gathered from my Uncle over the summer.
I went to Canada in 2008 to visit my Aunty and Uncle. We took a walk around the property and I was in awe at all he had accomplished, we walked right around the edge of the property a track him and my Aunty walk often and it was like having my own personal tour guide with me. Now I was sick the week before I went to Canada and I am going to use that as my excuse but even as we walked he still set a more cracking pace than me. I was well and truly out of breath by the time we arrived home.
I will never forget my first trip to Canada as I will never forget the last trip they took to Australia with the whole family and the entire clan got together. I will never forget my Uncle the guy who talked funny, the guy who schooled me in tennis and various other subjects, and the guy who loved dinners at the Commercial Club.
To Aunty Mary, Ross, Diane, Johnny and their families I wish I could be there with you guys as we all do. Hopefully we will see you all soon.
Take Care.
Shell.
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