Obituary of WILLIAM MAURICE HAYWARD

WILLIAM MAURICE HAYWARD 1923 - 2014 Known as Maurice' was born on April 6th, 1923 to Tom and Margaret Hayward at the family farm near Virden, Manitoba. Along with 3 brothers and 1 sister, Maurice attended school and helped on the farm. At the age of 22 Maurice decided that farming was not for him, He was more interested in construction. Maurice quit farming and began operating heavy equipment. In 1948 Maurice went to work for Reg Pearen Construction. Maurice in 1952 with his father started a taxi business. During this time he met Muriel Dorothy Hayward surprisingly no relation. Muriel was smitten with the handsome man who always wore a fedora. They were married in Virden on March 20th, 1954. They began a family with the birth of son Brent in March, 1956, and the arrival of daughter Rhonda in November, 1957. Maurice then moved to B.C. to continue his career in construction. Wanting his family closer he purchased a home in Pouce Coupe. Their son Brock was welcomed to their family in 1959. Maurice continued to work in construction with moves to Dawson Creek in 1960 and finally Chetwynd in 1961, buying a piece of land in Chetwynd to build a motel. They owned and operated the Windrem Motel for 11 years, Maurice alongside Muriel doing laundry and cleaning rooms. Maurice became involved with Little League, Cubs & Scouts, the Ambulance Society, and eventually politics. First as an Alderman in 1970, then a term as Mayor of Chetwynd. He was appointed Justice of the Peace, and Coroner for Chetwynd in 1975 and held the position until 1982. Maurice became a Mason in 1965. He was instrumental in forming the Chetwynd Masonic Lodge. He held the position of Master of both Dawson Creek and Chetwynd Lodges respectively, and in 1990 was appointed District Deputy of the Lodges in the Peace River District. Maurice and Muriel retired to their hobby farm, where they built their new home and the Hayward Subdivision. With work done there was time for more leisure activities. Travelling in the motorhome to such places as Alaska, Yellowknife, Whitehorse, or weekend excursions around the Peace River area with family, and friends. Visits with family from Manitoba, or a game of cards with friends along with a Rum and Coke were enjoyably occasions. Maurice passed away peacefully on May 2, 2014 with family by his side. Maurice will be dearly missed by his wife Muriel, his children, and their families which has grown to include 10 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren, as well as his friends. Maurice was an inspiration to all those who knew him. A memorial service was held on Friday, May 9, 2014 at the Chetwynd Fellowship Baptist Church. Pastor Bill Evans officiated. Expressions of sympathy in memory of William may be made by donation to the Chetwynd and District Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 1679, Chetwynd, British Columbia, V0C 1J0 Funeral arrangement entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd'