Peter Charles Hayward OBITUARY
Peter Charles Hayward, also known to family and friends as Pete, passed away unexpectedly on August 25th, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. He was 48 years old. His family and friends are deeply saddened by his sudden death. Peter is survived by his mother Terry Susan (Ronnie) Welch; his son Taylor William Eslinger-Hayward and Taylor's mom Jessica Eslinger; his sisters Michelle Anne (Joshua) Lippert and Alynne Michelle (Brendan) Jones. Forever remembered by his nieces Lauren Macy (Jacob) Harmon and Emma Faye Lippert. He is also remembered and loved by numerous friends, fraternity brothers, and co-workers that he has known throughout the years. Peter was predeceased by his father William 'Bill' Charles Hayward, paternal grandparents Charles and Florence Hayward, maternal grandparents Pete and Sally Sandel, and maternal great-grandmother Macy Catron Sandel. Peter was born January 17, 1976 at Gratiot Community Hospital in Alma, Michigan. He grew up in Alma, Michigan and attended Alma High School (class of 1994). After graduation he attended Central Michigan University majoring in Commercial Recreation. While attending CMU, Peter had the opportunity to live in Chicago where he held an internship with the Chicago Blackhawks – an opportunity of a lifetime. He was very active in the service industry holding jobs at Mountain Town Station and Soaring Eagle Casino in Mount Pleasant, Michigan; The Bent Fork Grill in Aurora, Colorado; and various other locations in Michigan, Milwaukee, and Phoenix. During his employment at Mountain Town Station there was even a section in the restaurant fondly called 'The Pete.' He also studied Culinary Arts at Milwaukee Area Technical College while living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Peter was a fun spirited and independent soul that had a passion for the outdoors. Whether it was mountain biking, skiing, skateboarding, rollerblading, or hiking, Peter could usually be found enjoying the peace and beauty of nature. When he wasn't found outdoors one could find him in the kitchen cooking up a fabulous meal – a skill he learned at a young age from his great-grandmother Macy Sandel. Macy had a significant impact on his life and he was completely heartbroken when she passed. He continued his love of cooking by attending culinary school. Peter proudly donated blood to the Red Cross where he earned his 'gallon pin.' He continued to donate even after being in a life-threatening accident. The true loves of his life were 'his girls' – his Scottish Terrier, Aberdeen (Abby), and his cat, Molly Monroe. Peter is fondly remembered for his charismatic demeanor, his fantastic smile, soulful brown eyes, and his wicked sense of humor. People were just drawn to him – drawn to his old soul. He could often be found doing his hardest to make someone laugh. Peter was profoundly proud of his son Taylor and would brag about him to anyone that would listen. He loved Taylor very much. In memory of Peter's life, the family is asking for donations to be considered to: Gratiot County Child Advocacy Center Substance Use Prevention – In Memory of Pete Hayward Since Peter was born and raised in Alma, Michigan it only seems fitting to honor him in this way. A memorial service will be held for Peter on November 2, 2024 at the Pine River Country Club in Alma. God bless you all and thank you for loving Peter so well during his time here. You were all a blessing to him.
