michael anthony hayward
march 31, 1941 - june 8, 2025
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MEMORIAL MASSFRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2025 at 10:30 A.M.
Cuneo Chapel of the North American Martyrs
Saint Ignatius College Prep
1076 W. Roosevelt Rd., 5th Fl., Chicago, IL
Benicia, CA – Michael Anthony Hayward, 84, passed away on June 8, 2025, as a result of complications from heart bypass surgery.
Michael was born in Toronto, Canada, the oldest child of Cameron Anthony Hayward and Mabel Anne Greene Hayward. But the family moved to Southern California in 1949 due to his sister Rosemary’s heart condition. Michael had two brothers, Dennis (Kathy) and Bryan (Pam), both of whom survive him, and two sisters, both deceased, Rosemary and Patricia. He graduated from San Gabriel Mission High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in business from California State University at Los Angeles.
Following college, he had a successful career in the field of workers’ compensation at both private insurance companies and for the State of California. Eventually, Michael and his wife, Loretta, established their own company.
He is survived by Loretta, his wife of 40 years; his son Robert (Alexis); son Steve (Rose); and daughter Laurel. He had four grandchildren: Brayden Hayward, Brynley Hayward, Monica Murguia, and Hampton Hayward; as well as two great grandchildren, Poppy Murguia and Clover Murguia.
Michael loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, always remembering them at Christmas and their birthdays.
In retirement, Michael was active as a docent at the Blackhawk Auto Museum for over 20 years, in addition to being a volunteer at The John Muir Medical Center assisting patients coming out of surgery.
He was also an avid reader and writer. Michael authored several articles for Classic Car Club of America, including ones on Cord automobiles and various Packard models. He was an active member of the Packard Club and coordinated several of their meetings. He also owned a cherished vintage Mustang.
In addition to classic cars, Michael was a film buff, particularly westerns and Film Noir productions. And he was proud of his collection of western memorabilia. He had a remarkable memory particularly when it came to family history. In 2011, the family published a book on the history of the Haywards and relied greatly on his input.
A celebration of Michael’s life will be held on September 26, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. in the Cuneo Chapel of the North American Martyrs, located on the 5th floor at Saint Ignatius College Prep, 1076 W. Roosevelt Rd., Chicago, IL 60608.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Church of the Holy Family Restoration Fund in Michael’s memory.
The family wishes to thank all the doctors and nurses at John Muir Medical Center who took such great care of Michael right to the end.
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