MAYVILLE- Gilbert "Gib" Thurston Hayward, 85, of Mayville, died on Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at his home. He was born February 4, 1933 in Dunkirk, the son of the late Thurston and Lotta Higgs Hayward.

Gib served in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1956 and later retired as a machinist from Renolds Inc. in Westfield. After retirement, he enjoyed mowing the grass at the Prendergast fish hatchery.

He had been a member of the Dewittville United Methodist Church, the William L. Travis Post 493 Mayville American Legion, the Town Record Advisory Board, Mayville-Chautauqua Lions Club to which he was past president, town Historian for the Town of Chautauqua, a village trustee for the Village of Mayville, president of the Chautauqua Township Historical Society, the Fourth of July Committee, and the Region 8 Archives Committee. Gib loved being involved in his community and had a wonderful sense of humor. He also enjoyed antique tractors, visiting with his friends, socializing at the local diners, and most of all, time with his family.

Gib is survived by his five children; Craig (Tamara Weise) Hayward of Hartfield, Teri (Andy) Lyon of Florida, Kathi (Jim) Paulus of Mayville, Barry (Cathy) Meleen of Westfield, and Denise Magnes of Mayville, one sister; Marcia (Robert) Okerland of Westfield, 15 grandchildren, several great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and his little buddy, "Sweetie" the cat.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother; Neil Hayward, and an infant daughter; Janet Hayward.

The funeral will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 12PM at the Freay Funeral Home in Mayville. The Rev. Mark Parsons will officiate. Burial will be in the Portland Evergreen Cemetery.

The family will receive friends for two hours prior to the service (10AM – 12PM) at the funeral home.

Memorials can be made to the Mayville Fire Department and Rescue Squad, PO Box 2, Mayville, NY 14757 or to Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue, 7540 N. Gale St., Westfield, NY 14787 .

To leave a remembrance or to post condolences to the family, please visit freayfuneralhome.com