Sunrise September 30, 1954 - Sunset Feb.19, 2025
Most beloved soulmate and lifelong partner of 55 years to Rozanne Hayward (nee Bourgeois). Dearly loved father of Rich (Janet), Tawnya and Adam (Carolyn). Amazing grandfather (Papa) to Josh, Bailey, Sebastian, Lillian, Graeden, Daweh Sol, Callihan and Neolin. Papa so loved being a big part in each of your lives. You were his light and his joy. He will live in your hearts forever.
Loved son at birth of the late Dawn Ethel Hayward and predeceased by his special adoptive mom Hazel Woito (late Percy), who gifted him a family of cherished siblings, Leslie Dunbar, and predeceased by Brenda Danrath, Gary Dunbar and Bill Dunbar. Dearly loved son-in-law to the late Joe & late Eileen Bourgeois. Special brother-in-law to the Bourgeois clan, late Louise, Phil (Theresa), late Mike (Jenny), Jeannette (Bruce Clarida), Tim (Teresa), Marriette (Greg Bell), late Kathy Foster, Rob (Linda) and Carole (Leigh).
Rick will be truly missed by his many nieces and nephews (too many to list). You know he loved each and every one of you for just who you are. Rick treasured relationships with many cousins and it doesn't need to be said how much he appreciated you and enjoyed phone calls and time spent together. Many great memories, Jody and Ken.
Rick was also lifelong friend of Rita Kallio, Lucas Schmeidendorf (Dineen) and Kaitlin Peltier (Ronnie), with many happy shared times and pulla of course. Friend and carpenter Art Delparte spent numerous laughing hours with Rick, story telling, while doing home renovations. Through their sons' hockey, Rick met and stayed strong friends with the late Mr. J, Gary Jaremko and all of the Jaremko family.
By profession Rick was a Registered Optician, where he met and maintained lifelong friends. Some of these ties became intergenerational ones especially the Michaud, Egget and Cheryl Gimple families who remain close to this day. Rick proudly served as a member of the Board of Opticians for many years, frequently commuting to Toronto to attend meetings and fulfill his responsibilities. He always enjoyed every part of his profession.
Rick loved our home on the Lake. He was so happy to share "Heaven's Echo" with everyone over the years. It was a beautiful, fun, sanctuary for one and all. So many people, so many amazing memories. Rick will forever stay with us there. Last, but definitely not least, thanks so very much to all of our wonderful Echo Lake Family. Too numerous to mention, but rest assured you were all such an important part of his life. He loved visiting, gathering together and sharing funny stories with all of you and so appreciated how kind and helpful you all were. You were like an army of angels to stand by our side in this struggle.
It's impossible to describe Rick in words and give justice to the amazing man he was. He rose up to conquer many childhood traumas, and not only survive but flourish. He was a kind, funny, gentle, respectful man of integrity who accepted everyone and shared his warm spirit with all. He was the person who would easily make friends with the grocery cashiers and those waiting in line. We called him our social butterfly, always ready with a smile, a compassionate ear and of course a funny story. If he met you once he would remember you forever and most likely he left an indelible impression on you as well. A friend to all and a stranger to none, always ready to help others with his genuine heart.
Sadly, due to generational trauma from Residential schools, Rick, early on, lost connections to his indigenous culture. In later years Rick, with support from Pine/ Belleau families began to honour his heritage and recently learned his name, Manitou Maiingan. Rick was so proud to be Spirit Wolf (thank you Willard Pine) and was comforted in knowing he would be sent on his spirit journey in traditional indigenous ways. Thanks to Adam for coordinating this, to Rich, Bailey and Lillian for cedar bath. Miigwetch to Mishoomis and all the wonderful firekeepers for setting up the teepee and holding sacred fire. The beautiful ceremonies, drumming and singing provided solace and wonder to all who attended especially those who had never had opportunity to experience this before. Miigwetch to you all.
An enormous thanks goes out to my amazing sister Carole who stood by our side throughout this difficult journey. Big love to our children for being there when we needed them. He loved you all so very much. He was always so proud of each of you and you stood up when the going got hard and were by our side in love. We were/are so thankful for the gift of our wonderful children.
Manitou Maiingan (Rick) was kind, funny compassionate, giving, accepting and just pure, pure love for everyone and anyone. He surely impacted in many ways, the lives of many, many people. He will be definitely missed.
We are all so very thankful for the compassionate care of the paramedics and hospital emergency staff. You are all super heros!!
Manitou Maiingan has completed his traditional send off and has been cremated. A celebration of life (Big Potluck Party) as Rick requested will be held this summer at Echo Lake. All are welcome.
Ba Ma Pi my love.
Miigwetch for the amazing life we shared.
Know you will be watching out for all of us from the other side. So, until we hold each other in our arms once again, Ba Ma Pi.
If desired memorial contributions payable by cheque or online to A.R.C.H., St Vincent's Place or charity of choice would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street East, 705-759-2522). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Hayward family.