Laurence Kent Hayward of Orleans died on Oct. 8, 2022 surrounded by loved ones at Cape Cod Hospital after fighting a rare autoimmune disease with uncommon grace and courage. He was 77.
The son of Everett and Shirley (Eldridge) Hayward, Larry was born on July 15, 1945 in Brockton, where he grew up. He received a bachelor of science degree in industrial engineering from Northeastern University and an M.B.A. from Bryant College. He served in the U.S. Army as a company commander at Fort Dix, N.J.
Following his service, Larry worked in business, beginning in sales with Paul Revere & Co., then as director of sales and marketing for Pfizer’s MPM Division, and finally with Ametek, where he was a vice president and general manager. He traveled much for work and pleasure and delighted in the people he met, the varied cultures, and the good food and wine.
Larry was a car enthusiast, said his wife, Jeanne, and wherever he lived he planted a garden, sharing its bounty with family and friends. “He was a handyman who enjoyed building and fixing things,” Jeanne said. After he and Jeanne retired to Orleans, Larry put those skills to work in volunteer service.
As a crew leader and working instructor, he helped Habitat for Humanity build eight homes off Depot Street in Harwich. “He always wished he could have done more,” Jeanne said, “but he started to have a lot of medical issues, which ended it.”
He also served for two years as president of Nauset Newcomers, a community organization whose members are primarily from Brewster, Eastham, Orleans, Truro, and Wellfleet. He took special pride in his success at fundraising for charities.
Larry also served as a member and then chair of the Orleans Finance Committee and as rear commodore, vice commodore, and commodore of the Orleans Yacht Club. He was active in a local investment club, a couples book group, a wine-tasting group, and the Orleans Coffee Club.
Larry was a man of his word — thoughtful, honest, and wise — a rock on which his family could always depend.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jeanne Hayward of Orleans; his son Laurence K. Hayward II, wife Kara, and two granddaughters, Katherine and Lauren, of Chicago; his son Christopher J. Hayward and wife Stephanie, also of Chicago; and his daughter, Jennifer L. Hayward, granddaughter Anya, Anya’s dad Gregory Pakhladzhyan, and Jennifer’s partner, Brian Lawlor, of Boston. He also is survived by his brother, Everett Hayward Jr. and wife Susan of Milton; his sister, Karen Chubbuck of West Bridgewater; and nieces and nephews Justin, Jillian, Michelle, and Bill.
A celebration of his life will be held at a date to be announced.
Donations in Larry’s memory may be made to Habitat for Humanity, Lower Cape Outreach, or another charity of your choice.
