Arnold Grant Haystead

Arnold Grant Haystead of Ingleside passed away peacefully at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Thurs., May 1, 2008. He was 65.
He was born on Dec. 12, 1942 in Athens, Ont. to the late Rankin Haystead and the late Mabel Earl. He was the beloved husband of Stella (nee Robinson), whom he married on Oct. 22, 1969 at the United Church manse in Winchester. He was the loving father of Priscilla of Cornwall, Robin (Brenda) of Brockville, and Kevin (Melody) of Grand Prairie, Alta. He was the caring grandfather of six. He was the dear brother of Ron (Gloria), and Burt (Daphne). He was predeceased by his son Shawn.
He attended public school on Archer Road and high school in Morrisburg. He jointed the military - army division - like his father before him, where he stayed for three years. Upon his return home, he drove a transport for a couple of years before beginning a 30-year career with the St. Lawrence Parks driving a dump truck and usually hauling gravel. One of his favourite sa yings was "if the wheels are turning, they are making money." He finally met the love of his life, Stella, on a dairy farm in Winchester after being pen pals for some time. After a courtship and then marriage, they lived in Williamsburg for a couple of years before settling at their current home near Ingleside. He would farm and work out at the same time. When laid off from the St. Lawrence Parks over the winter, he would work for Cruickshank Construction.
Arnold always had humorous stories to tell his wife and kids at the supper table. He would often be heard singing his favourite song "Roll-on 18 wheeler, roll on." He began collecting metal and was known as a "steel man." He was always a hard worker and had big hands to match his big heart. As a family man, he thought of his wife and children before himself. He showed perseverance to go ahead with whatever life dealt him, and he never gave up. He was a people person - putting others first. He had a natural friendliness and could speak with anyone, and never said an unkind word about anyone.
Arnold was a humble and generous man. He was honest and sincere, and had a determination and sensitivity about himself that one could admire. He will forever live on in the memory of his family and friends.
Friends were received at the Parker Funeral Home in Morrisburg on Wed., May 7. The funeral service was held at Williamsburg United Church on Thurs., May 8 with Rev. Elaine Beattie officiating, followed by interment at Maple Ridge Cemetery in Chesterville. The pallbearers were Verlin Gallinger, Ron Marcellus, Rejean Longtin, Gordon Garlough, Gary Whitford, and Lee Johnston. The honourary pallbearer was Harold Gallinger.
In memoriam donations to Winchester District Memorial Hospital or Williamsburg United Church would be gratefully acknowledged.
Condolences and donations may be made at parkerfh@personainternet.com.