Richard Hayward

Richard "Rich" Hayward passed away peacefully in the middle of the night, taking his final checkered flag and leaving behind a legacy as unforgettable as the roar of a racecar engine. Rich was a man who could turn any moment into a story worth telling. His garage was never just a place for cars - it was a gathering spot where the Canadian Mist was flowing, Elvis was playing in the background, and laughter carried further than the engines. He had a passion for racing, classic cars, and NASCAR (Jeff Gordon being his favorite), but anyone who knew him knew his biggest joy came from the people around him. He never turned down a good party, a loud engine, or a glass of Canadian Mist with a splash of soda - always stirred with his finger, no matter where he was. And while he was known for his grit, humor, and that unmistakable sparkle in his eye, his greatest legacy is the deep love he shared with his wife - a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love that many people spend their whole lives searching for but few ever find. Rich is survived by: Daughter Heather and daughter-in-law Cynthia, granddaughter Ashlyn and granddaughter-in-law Jessica, grandchildren Alec and Emma, sister Joni and brother-in-law Dave, brother Larry and sister-in-law Pam, brother in law Albert (Al), brother-in-law Bill and sister in law Heidi, nieces Jamie and Lin, nephews Jeremy, Christopher, Kenny, Chris, Matt, Brandon, and Billy. He is preceded in death by: his beloved wife Debbie and pug Harley, mother Imogene and father Richard, and sister-in-law Violet (Vi). As per his wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. Instead, friends and family are encouraged to raise a glass of Canadian Mist in his honor. A celebration of life will be held in Pine/Strawberry in November, with details to come. And if you really want to honor him - don't cry, fire up a Harley, let the engine roar, and feel the wind in your hair. The louder the better… after all, if the neighbors aren't annoyed, you're not doing it right. "Well, that's about it from here."