Harold C Hayward

Harold C. Hayward, 98, of Walhalla, ND passed away Wednesday, January 11, 2012, at the Pembilier Nursing Center, Walhalla, ND. Funeral services will be held Monday, January 16, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. at the Walhalla Lutheran Church, Walhalla. Visitation will be held Sunday, January 15th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Nelson-Askew Funeral Home, Walhalla. Burial in the Hillside Cemetery, Walhalla.
Harold was born May 3, 1913, at Doyon, ND to Virgil and Myrtle (Cruse) Hayward.
On November 11, 1937, he married Elisabeth Stegman at Bathgate, ND.
Harold was a unique man, beloved by four generations, his own, his children's, his grandchildren's and his great grandchildren's. Leaving behind a wonderful legacy of a life well lived. Knowing his life was not a perfect life, there were some regrets, but he lived the only way he could, full steam ahead the only way he knew. He once commented, "I never did anything halfway" and that got him in trouble from time to time. The above is mentioned in the interest of clarity about this complex man. Harold was the lead man of a welding crew building ships during World War II. He was also a farmer, mechanic, furniture upholsterer and a school bus driver. The school children loved him and he demanded order on the bus to ensure the ride was safe. As a member of the Walhalla Volunteer Fire Department he was labeled the "Oyster Man" at their annual feed. For many years he played this role, making sure those oysters were cooked just right.
In retirement, when Lizzy was alive and with us, we all enjoyed many fishing trips to Canada. They enjoyed many hours on the water visiting, playing, catching and eating fish along with potatoes fried in butter. Harold had the patience of Job, with all of us but especially with two teenage grandsons who sometimes did everything but take fishing seriously. His grandchildren loved him dearly and he always showed a special interest in all their activities.
Harold was a story teller. They were stories of his life and times. For one who lived life "Full Steam Ahead" there were lots of stories. Good, funny, and true stories it wasn't until the later years we heard the same story, but that was along with a new story. He remembered who, what, where, when, why and how come in almost every case.
Survivors include his children: Lorrie (Merlyn) Larson, Cambridge, MN, Gary Hayward, Minnetonka, MN, and Carl Hayward, Jamestown, ND; grandchildren: Jayne (Scott) Mund and Jill (Randy) Johnson; Scott (Alice) Hayward, Terri (Don) Dainsberg, and Cris Eide; great grandchildren: Elizabeth, Taylor, and Maridee Mund; Lindsey, Sydney, and Lacey Johnson; Stella Hayward; Kayla and Ryan Dainsburg; Mia and Elizabeth Eide; sisters: Peggy McCollum, Northwood, ND, Donna (Bill) Soderstrom, Bagley, MN, and Marlos (Ken) Bates, Whitehall, MT; daughter-in-law, Terry Berggren Hayward, Bainbridge Island, Wa; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Preceding him in death were his parents; wife, Elisabeth; son, Dale Hayward; daughter, Linda Eide and 12 siblings.
Officiating: Merlyn Larson
Music: Esther Dalager, Pianist and Sydney Johnson, Soloist.
Casketbearers:Cris Eide, Scott Hayward, Randy Johnson, Scott Mund, Taylor Mund,
and Ryan Dainsberg