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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Top Right: Sir Jack enjoying a lively discussion at the HSGB's Pawzapalooza fundraiser, Oct. 2013. (Photo: Analicia Carroll)
Bottom: The Grand Opening of the HSGB's new shelter, June 2008. Sir Jack was so proud of this. (Photo: Keen i Media)
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Sir Jack Hayward did so much for this country. He came here as a young man and carried on his father's work and he did so with enthusiasm and diligence. He loved Freeport so much that he made it his home base, and he devoted his life to the betterment of Freeport, and indeed, the entire island of Grand Bahama.
He had an amazing life, filled with adventure and lived with gusto. He was also a great patriot, an astute businessman, and a generous philanthropist. He was an incredible raconteur and could hold any audience, large or small, spellbound with his stories. During meetings, he had a knack for putting everyone at ease immediately with his charm, but he would also never lose sight of the main point and never hesitated to express his views or give his thoughtful advice.
One could not help but enjoy and appreciate his sharp intelligence and common sense, his humour, and his overall zest for life, all of which he retained until his very last days; just as he would have wanted it.
HSGB President Joseph Darville said, “"Even though Sir Jack is gone, we pray his legacy lives on. Up until his last days, he shared his hopes with us for the return of the Magic City in all it glory, opportunities and beauty. We know that from the lofty abode in which he now finds total joy and full completion, he will still look down on this city with its enormous potentials, awaiting the day of its glorious resurrection."
The list of organizations and indeed, even individuals, that he chose to support or assist is too long to list here. Actually no such list may ever be complete as Sir Jack always worried that if his name were attached too prominently to any cause, it would prevent others from contributing. He wanted the entire business community and individuals too, to do their part philanthropically.
We can say now that the Humane Society of Grand Bahama (HSGB) would not still be here today were it not for Sir Jack. He and his father, Sir Charles Hayward, were instrumental in founding the HSGB in 1968, having recognized a need for assistance for homeless, neglected and abused animals.
Many residents and visitors will remember the tiny building that was the HSGB shelter until 2008. It had become woefully inadequate and far too small for the needs of Grand Bahama. The HSGB will be forever grateful for Sir Jack's recognition of our desperate need for a new modern facility, and for his tremendous help in building our new big beautiful facility on Coral Road. He quietly arranged for the property transfer, and then just as quietly paid the lion’s share of the building costs.
We wanted to name the new shelter after him. He appreciated the gesture but refused, saying it would hurt us if we did.
He was a pure and true philanthropist, who gave unselfishly, without a desire for public acknowledgement or accolades. He gave generously, to the many causes he believed in, mainly because he had a great big heart, and he absolutely believed in giving back.
Many people may not be aware that at one time Sir Jack was the proud owner of up to sixteen potcakes of his own. He believed that we humans have a duty to care for the most helpless of God's creatures, which is one of the reasons he supported the HSGB. There were numerous times we would get a phone call from him to say he had seen a starving or pitiful dog at this or that location and could we please see if we could help.
Long time HSGB Board Member and supporter Erika Gates says “When a wealthy person makes a charitable donation many of us may be guilty of saying, oh he has plenty of money, it’s nothing to him; but the truth is and from my personal conversations with Sir Jack, he believed very deeply in the causes he supported because he felt their work would result in the betterment of Grand Bahama Island and its people. In the case of the Humane Society, in addition to the importance of its work for the community, he was also an animal lover who felt strongly the need to protect those who can’t speak for themselves. In time, we will all realize that we have lost a caring, compassionate friend in Sir Jack. “
It has been our absolute honor and privilege to have worked with and had the support of Sir Jack over these many years. It was even more a real joy and pleasure to know and love him. We are so very sad to have lost our beloved friend and mentor.
The HSGB Board of Directors and Staff extend our deepest condolences to Sir Jack's family and friends. The entire Bahamas has suffered a huge loss and we hope that his legacy is never forgotten.
© Copyright 2015 by thebahamasweekly.com
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