From:TheBahamasWeekly.com
Sir Jack Hayward's eulogy delivered by Erika Gates at Freeport memorial service
Feb 24, 2015 - 4:51:16 PM
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Freeport, Grand Bahama -
A Memorial Service was held for Sir Jack A. Hayward, Kt., OBE on February 23, 2015 at the Pro-Cathedral of Christ of the King, East Atlantic Drive, Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. The following is the eulogy delivered by Mrs. Erika Gates:
Good afternoon,
My name is Erika Gates and I am honored to have been asked to give the
eulogy of a truly remarkable man who played a major role in the
development of this island that we call home.
I can’t remember the exact date or occasion that I first met Sir Jack -
I have been a citizen of the Bahamas and a resident of Freeport since
the early seventies, but he was here at least 14 years before I arrived.
However, through my contacts with him over the span of those 40 plus
years it became clear to me and certainly to those who knew him well,
that he had a genuine love for this island and its people and a burning
desire to see it grow and prosper.
Sir Jack Hayward, as he later became known, following his knighthood
in 1986, was the only child born to Charles and Hilda Hayward on June
14, 1923 in Wolverhampton, England.
At the young age of 18, Jack volunteered to join the Royal Air Force.
This took him to the Far East – India, Burma and Rangoon, where he
flew ammunitions, guns, food and medical supplies. He was proud of his
service to his country.
Like so many of his generation, his time in the Royal Air Force and
the experiences of World War II, left a mark on Sir Jack, so much so,
that seventy [70] years later, it was the theme for his 90th birthday
celebration.
After his time
served, he joined the family business. His father, Charles, was a
successful business man who, in his lifetime, headed a variety of
companies in numerous countries.
In his early 20’s,
Jack, was sent to other parts of the world to expand the family's
business interests. He had visited the Bahamas before, during the war,
when he spent a week's leave in Nassau before he earned his wings from
his RAF training in Florida. He had always wanted to return.
He set up a home in Nassau with his wife Jean and daughter Sue and
became based in New York where he worked long hours to expand the
business. He travelled from the US to Nassau for visits with his growing
family and in the early 50’s Jack moved to Nassau where son Rick was
born in 1952 and son Jonathan in 1957.
He learned the value
of the dollar as he lived on a tight budget. It may surprise some of
you to hear this, but it probably explains the incredible level of Sir
Jack’s charitable donations later on.
Photo by David Mackey - Mackey Media Ltd
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His father, Charles Hayward, became interested in Grand Bahama Island
after being introduced to Mr. Wallace Groves by the Earl of Ranfurly.
The Earl wanted Charles Hayward to invest in Nassau, however, he was
persuaded by Wallace Groves to take a look at Grand Bahama Island. In
those days the island was in a state of transformation, while harbour
dredging was in progress by Daniel K. Ludwig but it still lacked much
basic infrastructure. The only means of travel to the island was by boat
or float plane and the senior Hayward arrived by the latter.
Mr.
Groves drove Charles Hayward around the island in a Land Rover, all the
while describing his vision of developing 230 square miles of pine
barren to create the city of 'Freeport', following the signing of The
Hawksbill Creek Agreement on August 4, 1955. Hayward flew back to Nassau
and stated that Groves’ vision was a ‘mad dream’! Nevertheless, the
senior Hayward invested substantially. The rest, as they say is
history...
Jack was sent to look after the family interest on Grand Bahama and relocated his young family to Freeport.
Through the years,
as the Chairman of The Grand Bahama Development Company, he endured the
many hardships of a young pioneer. There were many highs and lows
during these past years. He along with his partner, Edward St. George,
enticed many foreign businesses to see the potential of this “magic”
city and invest here.
When we drive along the streets today we are reminded of Sir Jack at
virtually every corner due to street signs that he designated to have
names like Churchill Drive, Sherwood Lane or Ranfurly Circle. He wanted
this island to be different. He used terms such as ‘Circle’ instead of
‘Roundabout’ or ‘Rumbles instead of ‘Speedbumps’… He brought over red
double decker buses, telephone booths, pillar post boxes that were
bright red and British and made this former colony different… something
that is a part of our country’s history!
I am sure many of you attending this Service today, and those who will
speak after me, will be able to recount many a tale involving Sir Jack
and the growth and development of Freeport, which were near and dear to
his heart. One thing is certain; he was passionate about Freeport until
the very end.
The Sir Jack
that we will fondly remember was a man who shared his love, friendship
and concern for the people of Grand Bahama Island. He was always full of
encouragement. Each time that he saw me, he wanted to find out how
things were progressing with my nature tour business. He was sincerely
interested in, and keen to see small businesses grow and prosper. Sir
Jack believed that if a business was able to sustain itself, then it
contributed to the success of Freeport and the benefit of the people of
this island. When development was taking place he made sure that the
environment and sustainability of the natural beauty of the island were
taken into consideration, even rainfall was important to him as he was
aware that our island and its people depended on it for drinking water.
Sir Jack was a privileged man, but he remained humble. He knew and
walked with royalty. In 1994, the Queen and Prince Philip made an
official visit to Grand Bahama Island. During this visit, their busy
schedule included officially opening the Hugh Campbell School, the
Courthouse and greeting the public at the Lucayan Beach Hotel. He hosted
a special luncheon at his residence for the Queen and her entourage.
Though he walked with royalty, in many ways, he was a common man and had
the ability to talk to anyone, no matter what their standing in
society.
Sir Jack was often
teased about his rumpled suits, his seemingly uncombed hair and the old
land rover he drove; but this never fazed him. He knew every inch of
the island and as he drove around, he was checking for and reporting
potholes, stray and hungry animals, road signs that were spelled
incorrectly and litter strewn alongside the streets. He was a stickler
for getting things done and doing things correctly, and he only had to
say something once to get his point across [if you know what I mean]!
Photo by David Mackey - TheBahamasWeekly.com
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Sir Jack nourished the growth of the island by personally getting
involved in many charities and organizations, such as the YMCA, the
Bahamas National Trust, the Salvation Army, the Cancer Association, the
Jack Hayward High School, the Sir Jack Hayward Youth Soccer Club, the
Grand Bahama Sailing Club, the Sir Charles Hayward Library and many
more. Together with Francis Singer Hayward he dedicated time and
resources to create a state-of-the-art Humane Society and Animal Shelter
that would match any such facility in the U.S. And how can we forget
his passion for the Regency Theatre and his performances on stage
(preferably comedy!) with the Freeport Players Guild, that brought joy
and laughter to the community! Where would we be today without Sir
Jack’s support for these organizations and projects!
These are some of
the local charities known to us, however, there are countless others,
globally, that we may never know about. A few that we have become aware
of, however, are his funding of the restoration of the last Vulcan
aircraft from World War two and his contribution to the hospitals in the
Falkland Islands during the war with Argentina. His patronage through
ownership of the Wolverhampton Wolves Soccer Team was acknowledged by
the emotional tribute paid by thousands of fans in the stadium after his
passing.
His compassion for others will be gratefully remembered and eternally
appreciated. Sir Jack set the example of caring and sharing and we all
need to recognize that we should do our part to sustain the
organizations that cater to those in need, for we are indeed our
brother’s keeper.
Sir Jack was known
for his wit and dry sense of humour. He earned the right to speak out
and to say what was on his mind. His vision of a project called
“Grabaco”, meaning, connecting Grand Bahama and Abaco by a bridge, will
long be remembered. Another bridge which will carry his name, is nearing
completion on Grand Bahama Highway. This bridge was important to him
out of concern for the people in East Grand Bahama, because, if anything
happened to the Casuarina bridge, they would be cut off from the rest
of the island.
Towards the end of his life, Sir Jack had a real sense of urgency to
get things done! He was passionate about having a Museum on Grand Bahama
Island and just this past October he designated the land and former
clubhouse at the old Shannon Golf Course for this vision to become a
reality. It was his wish that the museum of Grand Bahama would document
the colourful history of this great island, a history that should be
honoured and passed down to our children. I feel privileged to have been
asked by Sir Jack to become involved in this project and with public,
corporate and government support we can make Sir Jack’s vision a
reality!
He recently said, “The Bahamas could be the greatest little country in the world”.
Sir
Jack, you spent your lifetime believing in, and promoting this island
and country, we, therefore, pledge to do our part to make The Bahamas
the greatest little country in the world!
ccToday, at your final farewell, you are surrounded by leaders of our
country, members of all segments of our community, your friends, staff
and colleagues as well as your family and your loving companion Patti
and her family - may you rest in peace – and as you would be saying now:
WELL DONE!!!
Bahamas PM Describes Sir Jack as a Key Contributor to the Development of the Country
See PHOTO ALBUM on Facebook
The Memorial Programme is attached below:
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