Dr. Robert S. Hayward

Rob Hayward, 63, of Columbia, MO passed away on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 in Moberly, MO. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. at the Fairview United Methodist Church, 3200 Chapel Hill Road, Columbia, MO 65203 with a reception to follow. Robert (Rob) Scott Hayward was born December 20, 1953 in Nashua New Hampshire to George (Bud) and Marilyn Hayward. Rob loved fishing at Bethel Park, BBQ, ice cream, Little Debbie brownies, Paul Blart Mall Cop, weight lifting, coffee, and his family. Not necessarily in that order. He hated vegetables and sitting still. Not necessarily in that order. After high school Rob attended Keene State College and graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science Degree. Rob pursued his Masters at Tennessee Technical University and received his PhD from Ohio State University. In the late1980’s Rob accepted a position at the University of Missouri teaching Fisheries and Wildlife Science, where he received tenure and worked for over 25 years. Rob loved fish and all animals from the time he was a young boy and always taught kindness toward wildlife. He was dedicated to his students and his research. He was well- published, with manuscripts that have significantly advanced the field of fisheries science. Once he retired from University life, Rob enjoyed family life, and was able to attend his children's activities. He insisted on going to all dance recitals, days at the horse barn, long summer days at the pool, and weekends at Six Flags. He was inspired by Bible study, singing in the choir, and participating in the Little Bethlehem program at Fairview United Methodist Church. Rob liked to say he was " as sharp as a meatball and twice as greasy". When Rob was released to fish with the angels, he left behind his father, Bud Hayward, his brother, Mark Hayward, wife, Jeannie Hayward, and children Rob, Kristy, Caroline and Catherine. He also left behind grandkids, Laynee, Riley and Kaitlin, and nieces Kassia and Lilly. Rob died after a long struggle with Frontal Temporal Degeneration (FTD), and even in death has contributed to science. Rob would like to let everyone know that he is "fine, fine, fine" as he often quoted in Bud's Boston accent. Rob will live on through those who love him and his scientific work. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Fairview United Methodist Church, 3200 Chapel Hill Rd, Columbia, MO 65203. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Dr. Robert S. Hayward please visit our Sympathy Store.