Freeport, The Bahamas - A Memorial Service was held for Sir Jack A. Hayward, Kt., OBE on February 23, 2015 at the Pro-Cathedral of Christ of the King, East Atlantic Drive, Freeport, Grand Bahama Island:

The following are remarks by Archdeacon Bain:

On this February 23, 2015, we as a Grand Bahama Community, and by extension, a nation, gather to pay tribute, celebrate, and memorialized the life of a great British - Bahamian son. On behalf of the membership of the Pro Cathedral of Christ The King, the entire Anglican Diocese, my wife Ann and I, I extend condolences to Sir Jack Hayward's family, colleagues, and friends.

Many adjectives, stories, and accolades have been echoed with regards to Sir Jack's life. After all, this was a man knighted by the Queen, a hero in his homeland, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. Reports indicate, thousands lined the streets to bid final farewell in the UK earlier this month. Sir Jack, by all accounts, lived an epic life. The late Honorary Chairman of the Grand Bahama Port Authority was a pioneer who persevered, produced, demonstrated passion, understood partnership, was full of pride, and more meaningful to God and others, he was a philanthropist.

Sir Jack, as evidenced by his active involvement at the Regency Theatre over the years, enjoyed the stage. He was brilliant in the arts and full of quick and humorous wit. I suspect Sir Jack looks down on all this fuss being made of him Down Town on a Monday afternoon turn evening...and is saying: Enough Already! No doubt he's a bit upset that The Grand Bahama Port Authority Management and Staff got off an hour early today. My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Friends, this was no ordinary man. This is a great loss. Sir Jack was a rock and one of Freeport's Founders. His death, as dubbed by ZNS, is truly the END OF AN ERA.

Early failings noted Sir Jack's perseverance. He failed the entrance exam for Grammar School as a boy. He proved later to be a solid student and travelled many parts of the world as a member of the Royal Air Force. He has produced. In 1956 when he first came to Grand Bahama after his father had invested in Freeport. He showed leadership, smarts, and vision. He and his partner, the late Edward St. George produced a city that remains the envy of this region. It is a unique model that holds great success stories and remain loaded with unlimited potential. Sir Jack was passionate about everything he did. He loved his country and was equally passionate about the growth and development of the Bahamas. At times, he was passionate to a fault. If he took a position or believed in something or someone, he was a man fixed on having his way. Sir Jack never really disobeyed the rules, he had sufficient money, and power to simply change the rules.

His legacy goes hand and hand with the late Edward St. George. It was a special partnership. Sir Jack valued the partnership and despite what proved to be a much to do about nothing legal battle between the Haywards and St. Georges, Sir Jack loved and honored his partnership with Edward St. George. I am made to understand, that even when the legal fight was at its peak, Sarah St. George and Sir Jack whose office space was in close proximity to each other, Sir Jack would say to Sarah, I know my side is winning but, what is it that we are fighting over again?

Those of us who carry chips on our shoulders, stay mad with relatives and friends for years, and find causes to dislike people we do not even know, we can learn much from Sir Jack's life.

The lesson I leave with you from Sir Jack's life and legacy today is summed up in PROVERBS 19: 17 - WHEN YOU GIVE TO THE POOR, IT IS LIKE LENDING TO THE LORD, AND THE LORD WILL PAY YOU BACK. And I remind you assembled here of MATTHEW 6: 21 - WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE YOUR HEART WILL BE ALSO.

My Brothers and Sisters, there is really no diplomatic way to say it...some of us are too mean. We are laced with bad ways. We are selfish....and boy, we like things. More than like things, we have become experts at watching and wanting other people things.

Sir Jack made no apologies for it. He was not a church man. But he understood and lived the Christian Principles of Giving. He knew well that we are to be generous like God is generous to us.

Ecclesiastes reminds us to BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS. BE GENEROUS: INVEST IN ACTS OF CHARITY. DONT HOARD YOUR RESOURCES. SPREAD THEM AROUND. CHARITY YIELDS HIGH RETURNS.

Internationally Sir Jack gave of his resources to, repair a Hospital In the Falkland Islands, and all but saved a community and the spirit of his home town by spending millions on a football team. I am not suggesting you have Sir Jack's wealth. The bible tells us if you give of the little you have, you can surpass Sir Jack's riches.

Here on Grand Bahama Sir Jack carried the YMCA that continues to enrich lives. The Salvation Army and the Freeport Players will long sing his praises. He saw to it that even in his absence, his dear friend and partner for years, Frances Singer Hayward gave resources and attention to the Sir Jack Hayward School and heinsisted that she was named Honorary Chairman of the Humane Society of Grand Bahama. Sir Jack did more that talk. He wrote checks. The man wrote big checks. It was as if he knew where his blessings came from. The Rugby Club, the library named after his father, the Cancer Association, the National Trust, and so many other groups and individuals can bear testimony of his kindness and generosity.

At age 91, the rock is gone. It is truly the end of an era. Edward St. George and Sir Jack made much because they gave much.

Sir Jack Hayward has ran his race. He has done well. As we mark the 60th Anniversary of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement this year, I must speak to the living. Who will take the lead and carry Freeport and Grand Bahama beyond. The time has come for new vision, rededicated commitment, and men and women to show the same passion and vision Sir Jack did.

We must go beyond telling the stories of past glory. Let it be resolved that no Sarah, no Rick, no Henry, no Ian or Hannes alone can restore Freeport's glory and repeat Sir Jack's winnings without Almighty God. The story of GIDEON is clear. Corporate giants at the Container Port, the Ship Yard, STATOIL, Government and Opposition leaders, the Chamber of Commerce....all and sundry are articulating plans for this island. Nothing will move without God. Everybody wants to be the one with big plans and making headlines.We have had enough headlines and promises, we now need ACTION. God made GIDEON weaker because God wanted Israel to give Him the glory for the victory. This island will only get better if God gets the glory. We are all the weaker without God. Remove self my friends. Let go and let God.

When we see a turn around on Grand Bahama it will not be because of our smarts, our money or because we are strong. It will be because of God. All things happen according to His timing and purpose. Those in charge in the Pink buildings I appeal to you for unity of purpose –get your act together and work together for the continued growth and development of Freeport. Sir Jack and others have laid the foundation. This island needs to move forward. Thank you Sir Jack and thanks to the Hayward Family for all you have done. Let us enlarge and expand on his vision.

In the old days, a good friend you would hang with would be called or considered your JACK OR YOUR BUDDY.

JACK IS GONE. MAKE GOD YOUR CLOSEST BUDDY.......Let us learn an important lesson from Sir Jack’s life and give to enhance the lives of others. May he Rest In Peace. Amen.

Freeport, Bahamas memorial held for Sir Jack Hayward

Tribute to the Late Sir Jack A. Hayward‏ by Sarah St. George