Chester M. Hayward Send a condolence note

Laconia-----Chester M. Hayward, 87, of 50 Belvidere Street, Laconia passed away on April 6, 2008 at Lakes Region General Hospital.  He was born in Laconia on June 11, 1920, the son of Milton and Elsa (Griffin) Hayward.

Mr. Hayward was a lifelong resident of Laconia and was a 1939 graduate of Laconia High School.  He served in the U. S. Army during WWII as part of the 241^st Coast Artillery Battalion during the Asiatic Pacific Theater.  He had been employed by Weeks Dairy in Laconia and Concord for approximately 38 years, retiring in 1990.

Mr. Hayward was a quiet, unassuming man who never wanted to be the center of attention.  He did, however, leave a lasting impression on all who knew him and was held in high regard, respected for simply being a good, decent man.  His Yankee humor was well known and enjoyed by his family and friends.  For many years, he maintained a vegetable garden and spent as much time as possible enjoying the outdoors whether it was mowing his lawn or taking long walks.  He even enjoyed shoveling snow.  When he was no longer able to take his long walks, he joined the Community Wellness Center where he was a faithful member of several years prior to his illness.  At one time he was a member of a bowling league and had a talent for pitching horseshoes.  He was a lifelong sports fan and was interested in knowing what was going on in all aspect of sports.  He had been an avid reader until macular degeneration stole his ability to read.  This was a significant loss for him.  He was also well known among his family as a gifted letter writer.  This of course also ended with his vision loss.

Mr. Hayward taught his family much about perseverance when times were tough.  Even when he didn’t think he could keep going through the many challenges to his health he found the inner strength to push himself further.  Maintaining his dignity and independence was very important to him.  His children loved and respected him and will miss him tremendously.

Mr. Hayward was predeceased by his wife of 37 years, Mary Gladys (Peavey) Hayward in 1987.  He leaves his five children, James Hayward and his partner, Cathy, of Littleton, N.H, Louisa “Tina” Hayward of Laconia, Karen Lange of Laconia, Scott Hayward and his wife, Julie, of Belmont and Brian Hayward of Laconia; five grandsons, Jameson Cyr, Jason Hayward, Jacob Lange, Sage Lange and Trevor Lange; three great-grandchildren; his brothers, Willard “Bill” Hayward of Laconia and Robert Hayward of Parkville, Missouri; sisters, Mary St. Gelais, of Gilford and Patricia Varney of Springfield, Massachusetts and many nephews and nieces.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2008 from 11:00-12:00 in the Carriage House of the Wilkinson-Beane Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N. H.

A Funeral Service will follow at Noon also at the Funeral Home.

Burial will be later this spring in the family lot in Union Cemetary, Laconia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Community Wellness Center, 22 Strafford Street, Laconia, N.H. 03246 or to Community Health & Hospice, Inc., 780 North Main Street, Laconia, N. H. 03246

Wilkinson-Beane Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N. H. is in charge of the arrangements.