Leigh Hayward

1954 - 2018

Leigh Hayward, 63, of Oak Drive Upton, passed away on Friday, Nov- ember 30, 2018 after a brief illness. Leigh was predeceased by his parents Joan Lorraine (Eden) and Roy Hayward of Upton. Born on December 8, 1954 in Oak Bluffs, Leigh lived nearly all of his life in Upton, though he was always proud of his island heritage. Leigh attended Ashland High School and the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth where he studied biology. Leigh was intelligent, humorous, and witty; he loved a hearty laugh, any movie with Clint Eastwood, and any song written by Neil Young. He was particularly fond of the Boston Celtics and New England Patriots. Leigh had an innate understanding of the natural world, which originated through his work at Southwicks Zoo as a youth. He could identify native and exotic species of birds and animals with an uncanny ability. Leigh worked in the medical technology industry for nearly 40 years and developed innovative devices and procedures. Above all, Leigh was a devoted father to his three sons, whom he considered his greatest source of joy and accomplishment. He was a loving partner of fifteen years to his fiance, who brought him happiness, purpose, and comfort. Leighs love for his mother Joan, who passed away earlier this year, was unsurpassed. Leigh leaves behind his fiance, Laura A. Barbato of Upton; 3 sons, Taylor K. Hayward and his wife Lynn Ellen of Westminster, Erik K. Hayward and his wife Carrie of Falmouth, Maine, and Kaari K. Hayward and his wife Misty of Upton; 3 sisters, Lisa and her husband Stephen Basile, Stacy Hayward, and Lynne and her husband Gene DiPoto; and 2 granddaughters, Rylee J. Hayward and Mackenna Hayward. Funeral services will be private, and there are no public visiting hours. Memorial donations in Leighs memory may be made to the Massachusetts Audubon Society at 208 South Great Road Lincoln, MA 01773. https://www.massaudubon.org Arrangements by Buma-Sargeant Funeral Home, Milford. www.bumafuneralhome.com.