Gail Eugene Hayward

Gail Eugene Hayward 84 of Yukon passed away peacefully at home, on Wednesday August 24, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. He was born August 9, 1932 in Oberlin, Kansas the son of the late Denzil and Maude M. Zweigle Hayward.

 Gail was a cowboy and a true gentleman.

 He was very well known in the horse world for his reining skills, a former race horse commissioner, show judge, respected auctioneer, and in his youth he rode bulls and broncs at the rodeo.

 Gail greeted everyone the same way, with a hug or a firm handshake of his calloused hand and always a smile.  Working hard was just another day at the farm for Gail whether he was shoeing horses, breaking colts for clients, teaching others how to ride, or caring for his own beloved horses alongside his honey.

 Together Gail and his horse Cutter Bay won countless awards and accolades in judged pleasure trail riding and alongside his friends penned many cattle.

 Gail loved children and they were drawn to him, especially his grandson, Caleb. As a 4 H and FFA leader, he mentored youth and adults alike helping them reach their horsemanship goals and learning, if it was worth doing, it was worth doing right. Gail was a veteran and he loved his country.  He was a friend to many and no matter where he would go, folks always knew him and would stop to talk.

   Nothing more brought a twinkle to Gail's eye than his grandchildren and his devoted honey.

   Although he will be forever missed by those who were lucky enough to have their lives touched by him, it is certain that now he is good as new and back in the saddle again.

 He is survived by his wife of sixteen years, the love of his life, Gail A. Gongaware Hayward, four children; Tanya Garcia and her husband John of Florida, Todd Hayward of Vanderbilt, Pa., Julie Baughman and her husband Shawn of Crabtree, and John Good of Smithton, and three grandchildren; Caleb Shirley, Cameron Baughman and Kaylee Good. And also survived by his special mount Cutter Bay. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters.

 As Gail’s request there will be no public visitation. A celebration of life luncheon will be held on Saturday September 10, 1pm at Yukon VFD.  Please rsvp to Julie at 724 961 3099.

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