Mark Hayward
Toronto, d. 11.September.2019, cancer.
Photo courtesy of Leah Hollinsworth
So sad and shocked to hear about veteran Toronto messenger Mark
Hayward’s passing. Mark was a leader in the Toronto bike messenger
community for about 20 years. But he was so much more. He was
compassionate, caring and brave. Mark was a builder of the
community. He leaves this city better than he found it. Mark was a
tireless fighter for messengers. He spent many years organizing and
working to better labour rights and working conditions for
messengers. Mark was one of the organizers of CMWC 2008. He put on
so many Toronto alley cats. He was part of a team that hosted many
messenger Christmas dinners. He was one of the people who came up
with the motto of the TBMA - “you never ride alone”. Mark
always stood up with his community and for his community. He is
standing there in the first CMWC group photo from 1998 in Washington
DC. Mark stood up leading union drives presenting a well reasoned
case to the media. And when Darcy Allan Sheppard was killed Mark
stood tall in front of the cameras to give Al and the entire Toronto
messenger community a voice as he broke down the stereotypes the
media had constructed. One of the things I will remember most about
Mark is his philosophies and opinions. Even when I disagreed with
him I couldn’t help but admire his insight and his worldview. RIP
Mark – Joe Hendry
Almost 20 years of friendship. So many memories made. We took so
many flights together. Shared hostel rooms. Rode bikes together in
many many countries. Hosted a cmwc and managed to remain good
friends. I will miss all your sheep jokes. I don’t think i will ever
meet someone more devoted to their family. Every time I eat a fruit
cake for the rest of my life I will always think of you. You were a
loyal friend and a true gentleman. Thank you for your friendship all
these years. Say hi to Tizzer for me. - Leah Hollinsworth
I just want to say goodbye to a great soul. A friend. A comrade.
Mark Hayward. He left us too early. He helped me get landmark
decisions while working for the courier industry. A Labour Board
win. A win at tax court. The right to collect Employment Insurance.
All of this happened because he supplied me with the data I needed
when I was mistreated by a particular company. He was selfless,
intelligent, vibrant and most of all kind. He was a great guy to
have a beer with. I sure am going to miss the energy you brought to
so many. If there is a heaven, you have it RSVP'd, brother. Rest
well. - Stevie McIntosh
There is so much I want to say about the effect this man had on my
life. So many stories and so many laughs and drinks. The story that
has been coming to mind since I heard of his passing is as follows.
I don't know what year it was but it was during the organising of
CUPW local 104. The courier union that Mark spearheaded like a boss.
I may have been secretary treasurer at this time. I may not have
been. Regardless. I was in Montreal for a show at foufones during
the maple spring movement. And while I was on the front patio of
foufs I saw this awe inspiring protest. A parade of all types of
people marching down rue st Catherine. Young, old ,men
,women,children, everyone. Being a troublemaker I was immediately
riled up and decided that I wanted to be at the front of that line.
The two women I was with pleaded with me not to go because it wasn't
my fight (I begged to differ but that's another story) it wasn't my
first rodeo and I knew how to handle myself. The first thing I did
was call Mark. He was stoked and told me to write his number on my
body in marker. It was already on there. Again, Not my first rodeo.
Mark said that if anything happened to call him and in the morning
him and a laywer would be there. No hesitation. Without a seconds
hesitation Mark was ready to drive seven hours and laywer up to bail
me out of a Quebec jail if need be. Not a hint of hesitation. That
was who Mark Hayward was to me. The ultimate people power person. He
believed in the power of people to do incredible things together and
he was always game. I will miss his impressions of Cormac McCarthy
characters and his unrelenting energy that filled up any room. But
most of all I will miss his unwavering belief in people and I hope
to keep just some of that energy and keep it going in tribute to one
of the greatest people I have ever had the privilege to meet. rest
in peace Mark you will be sorely missed. - Beau Bomberry
I think I first met Mark at CMWC Warsaw or maybe it was Lausanne.I
took an instant liking to him.He had this magnetic warmth that drew
you to him.I always looked forward to seeing him at courier events
from then on.I remember leaving Mexico City after CMWC and absent -
mindedly forgetting to take back my bank card from the ATM.I got to
the airport with just enough cash to get the bike on the plane.I was
looking at a thirteen hour journey back to London with a stop off
and with no cash whatsoever.I bumped into Mark on his way back to
Toronto and told him about the card."Take this for a couple of beers
and give it back to me next time we meet." He handed me twenty
dollars.That was Mark and that was the last time I saw him.So my
lasting memory of him,the memory I'll carry around with me for the
rest of my days is of him helping me out.This is hard to take but I
experienced his kindness and I'll never forget it.Goodbye,Mark. You
never ride alone. - Ovar Dryve
Mark Hayward wow I don't know where to start. Met this amazing
person about 15 years ago and we were great friends from the start.
We always had our differences in opinions but I suppose that's what
opinions are for. He was always there to help in any ridiculous
situations I was in need help with, be it for argument or just help
moving something. I always loved talking for hours with him about
life or just bike related things, or fawning over frames/parts we
really had no business owning short of the fact that they were
pretty. Always respected that he wasn't a regular drinker/partier
but when he did go out, he'd go hard and usually be one of the last
people standing. Messenger related events will never be the same
without mark, he always enjoyed when everyone got together. On the
note of bringing everyone together, last night I heard from people
around the world and even people right here at home whom I hadn't
talked to in months or even years in certain cases and it warmed me
right up. I'm terrible at these things so I'll stop there, ride in
peace Mark. - Tyler Scruton
Its pretty amazing... and weird. Every time I hear the song Swing
Life Away by @riseagainst I think of my #mess fam friends around the
world. The lines “I've got some friends, some that I hardly know.
But we've had some times, I wouldn't trade for the world” and those
words make me think of the amazing people I’ve met over the years.
@181hateworld is one of those people I think of. But the rare
moments I spent with him and so many other people I constantly think
of around the world who I shared those experiences. I will never
forget the words of wisdom he shared with me during that crazy first
Toronto Mayday. He was intense yet gentle. Wise get realistic. It
breaks my heart to know you’ve left us. We haven’t spoken in years,
but the years and the miles don’t matter. The world is a bit darker
because someone like you has left. And for that I’m sad. Thank you
for being my friend and for not letting the distance, the silence
and the years change that. - Matt Nahoum
Mark Hayward what can I say that others haven't said before, you
were a friend, a mentor a inspiration of how to be human. Your
laugh, your smile with that twinkle in your eye these I will
remember fondly. I'm having a hard time knowing that no more
memories will be made with you. I want to ride my bike right now but
I just can't. From our nights organizing to the Stouffville rides,
staying up and playing cribbage and listening to CBC radio, to the
countless phone calls on special days to having you come stay at my
hotel during NACCC'S NYC while I was at work and trying to stay out
till 3am every night knowing i have to work the next morning at 7am,
to the advice and the consoling, to walking Tizzy and oat cakes and
so many many things, you were supposed to be in my wedding last week
but obviously things changed this past June at 6:30am when you
called me to tell me about all this. You were there in spirit and
you texted me on my wedding day exhausted from treatment but you
just had to congratulate me! and we had a chance to say I love you
to each other and that was just you and that's what you did! I hope
I can be half the man you are and I'll forever strive to live like
you did, to lead by example and to always be there for anyone whom I
call a friend. I love you Mark, I know we will see each other again.
- Noah Normandin
Back in the 90’s and 00’s, in the inaugural days of Messenger World
Championships , and before Internet and Social Media, a regular crew
from across the world would assemble at the chosen city for
Championships, or AlleyCats , or Figure of Eight Track Racing. There
was no real way of precontacting each other, aside from
international landlines, so whoever showed up wherever ,was the
crew. Mark Hayward was one of the crew, and he was revered . I
looked forward to “randomly” crossing beer paths with him at this
pre arranged destination. It was a magic formula, very formulative ,
and more importantly an education in how to behave and think , with
regards to the building of the international messenger community ,
the now messfam. Many others had solid , inciteful, and charasmatic
views on our community, but Mark was the good ground and grace that
I hung my hat on. Pleasure to have known you Big Man and in my
thoughts today and ever more. - Juan Pacifico Ramirez
Send It rider and dispatcher #181 Mark Hayward (1971-2019) -
Somewhere always in the back of my mind will be biking through empty
Philly streets at 1am with you, after a NACCC party, it’s a warm
night and we are endlessly talking about work (we were always
talking about work, always about the co-op). I miss you. You are the
hardest worker I know and a good friend. It’s a difficult day for
Send It today - but the lights are on, the cargo bikes are out - and
that’s exactly what you would want us doing. Rest in Power. –
Douglas Drake
Farewell Mark Hayward. I consider myself very fortunate to have met
and worked with you. You were the type of person that the will can
ill afford to lose. I will miss our infrequent but always enjoyable
conversations. The plan was that you would inherit my Bridgestone,
and I will never ride it again without thinking of you and the good
times. Thank you for everything. - Shane Marx
I first met Mark when I was 17. I was a new courier and I was on my
porch on Brock Ave when Mark came walking down. I hadn’t yet met
him, but I knew he was in the community, so I waved at him and asked
what angle I should set my drop bars. Since then, I’ve continued to
ask for advice and talked out problems and asked for bike help and
gotten book recommendations. Mark always said yes. I could count on
him for help and friendship. He never missed a birthday, and he
always walked me home after late beers. Thank you for everything.
I’ll miss you. Visits home won’t be the same without you. I wish I
could have one more Mark hug where he lifted me off my feet. They
were always special. Ride in peace Mark Hayward, I’ll miss you. -
Amber Urbshas
Oh, Mark…I’m heartbroken. I don’t know what to say. You were the
most solid friend. I can’t even count the number of times you
rescued me. From our jailbreak in Prague (Amy Gibbs, Michael Andrew
Harvie), to failed border crossing rescues at Swiss Chalet on Yonge
St to scraping me off the ground after a particularly humiliating
wipeout at the NACCC in Philly. You were always there for me. You
were even the most handsome man at our wedding. It never mattered
where I was living or how long we had been apart - every time we saw
each other, we picked up as if no time had passed. You made this
last move back to Toronto bearable and I’m so thankful you got to
spend time with Frankie and got to meet Noa. Frankie loves you so
much - and I know Noa would have been just as smitten.
You were also the only person that Trout would ever let pick her up
and hold like a baby - not that many people could hold a 70 pound
dog like a baby...I'll be sure to keep giving her her 9pm treats as
she expects - all thanks to you. I’ve said goodbye to too many
of our friends - but this one is the fucking worst. Thank you for
being in my life. You were so loved. Big Love to Janel, Mary, Bill,
Anne and Maureen and all his friends and family. Take care of each
other, everyone. - Emory Davidge
The first time I met Mark Hayward was at cmwc 2008. He saw us
wandering around not knowing where we were going and scooped us up
and took us to a Vets/Organizers party even though we were obviously
still newbs. I told him about how my friend snuck weed over the
boarder and he promptly made fun of him, told him if he wanted the
real stuff he’d get it for him, told everyone at the party to give
us free beers and said if we needed anything just to let him know. I
don’t think he ever saw him stop taking care of people for the next
11 years I had the pleasure of knowing him. - Jeff ONeill
The global messenger community lost a bicycle warrior. I met Mark
Hayward in Warsaw and he became my first friend when I moved from
Europe to Toronto to start Verra Couriers. In my first week
messengering I texted Mark, where can I find such bike part that I
just busted. Where are you? Replied Mark. Less than 5 minutes and he
was on the corner of Bloor and something with a new part. He had the
dedication to build a messenger union and to shepherd a flock of
black sheep. His laughter was contagious and his knowlege
overshadowed only by his humility. Mark was one of the good ones. My
heart felt condolences to his people - Hannah Verrassing
A man of great conversation. Probably the most well read messenger
I’d ever met, with a great laugh and radiant smile. A one of a kind
character, dedicated team player, memorable dispatcher and solid
mess family member. I’m so sorry you suffered, and I’m deeply
saddened that you’re gone. You will be missed dearly and I’m sorry
we never got a proper goodbye. MessFam, my dear, somewhat estranged,
but beautiful group of roughened people on 2 wheels: I feel your
loss. I wish I was there to celebrate his life with you, and come
together in the beautiful way that unfortunately only these things
do. Take care of one another. Ride safe this winter. I miss you. -
Giada Labrecque
Yesterday the world lost a beautiful soul, a wonderful human, and a
great friend. A friend to the messenger and cycling community. A
son... A husband...I take solace in having been granted the
opportunity to have known him in this life, to have worked with him,
to have gained the knowledge bestowed upon me about the most optimal
bomb-proof messenger wheels (Phil’s laced to Open Pro’s) and an
appreciation of the definition of sharp wit and dry humour that he
exhibited as only he could, masterfully. The hurt will remain
for some time, but it will subside one day. The joy and moments
spent in his presence will remain in memory, forever immortalized by
those who knew him, loved him, and respected him. You will be sorely
missed, Mark Hayward. With all sincerity I will miss you, with all
courtesy to your family, closest friends, loved ones, especially
Janet Pants, my heart goes out to you all. You Never Ride Alone.
Ride in Power - Michael Kryzalka-Neumaier
I'll always remember our office days spent discussing and debating
what's right, but mostly whats wrong with the world. You had more
conviction than anyone I know and never failed to demonstrate that
through your words and actions. You were a committed friend who
never failed to show up, from offering wisdom and advice, to just
blowing off steam. I feel priveleged to have known you, and will
continue to learn from you. The world is a worse place without you.
I miss you Mark - William Nakhid
Shocked and much saddened tonight as we remember our brother
messenger, Mark Hayward. Mr. Hayward was a tireless, longtime leader
in our unique local community. He cannot be replaced. Heartfelt
condolences to family and friends. Ride in peace, Mark. – Wayne
Scott
Mark Hayward had so much guff, confidence, and love for his
community. He loved to be a wrench in the works, took joy in a good
debate, and I don't think I ever saw him not in a good mood. There
is now a huge hole in the cycling community and his 'mess fam' that
can never be filled. Sending love to Mark's family and friends far
and wide. He was one of a kind. Ride in peace pal. I'll have a
scotch and celebrate you tonight. - Ainsley Naylor
Photo courtesy of Phil Barbosa
Mark’s Obituary:
MARK WILLIAM HAYWARD Age 48 of Toronto and formerly of Halifax, Mark
passed away on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 in Toronto. He was the
beloved son of William and Mary (Sullivan) Hayward of Halifax.
Surviving are his dear wife and friend, Janel Fisher, his loving
sisters Anne Cairns (Michael), Maureen Hayward of Halifax, and his
much loved nephews Patrick and Will Cairns. Mark was a graduate of
Saint Mary's University. He lived and worked in Toronto for 18 years
as a bicycle messenger, union official, and hospital administrator.
He loved riding his bike and traveled the world before settling in
Toronto. He enjoyed life and had many friends in Toronto, Halifax,
and around the world. Mark was a leader in the global bike messenger
community and spent time travelling to many countries to organize
and participate in bicycle messenger races. He was one of the people
who came up with the motto of the Toronto Bike Messenger Association
"You Never Ride Alone". His loss is felt around the world where he
built a legacy for his passion in community organizing and improving
the lives of working people. Mark touched many people's lives and
helped so many people over the years, he was known to be the most
trustworthy and dependable of friends. He was the kind of person the
world couldn't afford to lose. A celebration of Mark's life will be
held on Saturday, October 5, 2019 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at JA Snow
Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive in Halifax. Memorial gifts may be
made in Mark's name to Canadian Cancer Society, the Toronto Humane
Society, or any group supporting worker's rights.
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