MOUNT PLEASANT – Mr. Oliver S. Hayward, 76, passed away at St. Luke’s Hospital in Milwaukee on July 2, 2014 after a long battle with multiple health issues.
He was born in Boston, MA on May 4, 1938, the son of Oliver S. and Elizabeth (nee: Stearns) Hayward II. Oliver received his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College and his MA and Ph.D. from U.W. Madison. On June 6, 1984 he married Tamerin Mathiesen (nee: Mitchell).
A professor of history, Oliver taught various subjects and classes to thousands of students over a forty year tenure at UW Parkside. In addition to his love for teaching, Oliver was also active at Christ Church United Methodist where he served on the health ministry team and chaired the staff-parish ministry team. Oliver was passionate about his football and hockey teams and was an intensely competitive Bridge player. He was a kind, compassionate man with a perpetual smile and will be dearly missed by all those that knew and loved him.
In addition to his wife, Tamerin, Oliver is survived by his step-daughter’s, Michele Mathiesen of Huntersville, NC; and Sherry Coffin (prior marriage) of Racine, his sister, Susan (Tony) Knapp of East Setauket, NY, his sister-in-law, Marianne Marsh of Ithaca, NY, his nephews and niece, William (Cheryl) Knapp of Queens, NY, Andrew Hayward of Cedar Rapids, IA, Joseph Hayward of Ithaca, NY, Sarah (David) Abramowitz of Brooklyn, NY; as well as many beloved cousins, dear friends, former students and colleagues. In addition to his parents, Oliver was preceded in death by his beloved baby brother, John Hayward.
Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Monday evening from 5-7 p.m. for a visitation. The celebration of his life and funeral service will be held at Christ Church United Methodist (5109 Washington Ave.) on Tuesday, July 8, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. George J. Kafer officiating. There will also be a visitation at the church on Tuesday from 9:30 am until the time of the service. An interment service will take place in Graceland Cemetery at 2pm. Memorials have been suggested to Christ Church United Methodist or the Racine Interfaith Coalition.
A huge thank you to all the doctors, nurses and staff at All Saints and St. Luke’s Hospital for the loving, professional attention that was extended to both Oliver and his family while under their care.
Kim & Jim Curtis says
Tammy, you are in our thoughts and prayers!
William O'Connor says
Dr. Haywood was my favorite professor at Parkside. He was also the advisor for a club in which I was active. I count myself enriched for having known Ollie. We are all surely poorer for his loss.
Julie McKenna says
You were a great friend I will miss you.Tammy you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers
Michele Mathiesen says
Miss you Pops!
David Lauer says
Mr Hayward and I go way back to the days of UW-Racine Center. I was blessed to have “bumped” into him at a Wendy’s about a year or so ago and catch up on our lives. My sympathies to Oliver’s family. He was a wonderful man.
Heather Gaddy says
I’m truly saddened to hear that Professor Hayward had passed. He was one of my favorite professors at Parkside and I often tell people who know we him I majored in Hayward while I was there. I recently traveled to China for business and thought of him the whole time I was there. He taught me so much about culture and history. He will be missed.
Monty Ernst says
Not only was he a kind and pleasant personality, but he really challenged you as a student. I remember his “multiple multiple choice exams” and how they required that you really know the material inside and out. His passion for history made you want to do well on those exams. A truly inspiring professor.
Linda Brandon Sherman says
Tammy, so sorry to read of Oliver’s passing. I remember some good times and meals we shared. Sympathy to you and Michelle.
Alex Fedec says
Oliver was such a nice man and gentile soul. I was blessed to have had him as an instructor many years ago. His passion for history (and especially Russian history) and engaging teaching style are a rarity these days. I was also very fortunate to count him among my friends. Tam and Michele, and family, my heart and prayers go out to you. Вечная память!
Judy Wilson says
So sorry Tammy to hear of your loss. Take care.
Brian M. Sheffler says
My dearest condolences to your family at this difficult time. Professor Hayward was not only my favorite professor at Parkside, but also my advisor in academic and life matters. He was always good for a story or a joke. Every time I think of Russian history, I can’t do so without hearing his heavy Dartmouth accent. It was my luck to have been able to share my college years with him and though we didn’t speak often since my graduation, I cherished those chance encounters at O&H and elsewhere. My thoughts and prayers are with you.