Sir Anthony (Tony) Hayward (83 years) died peacefully on March 4 at his home in Sandwich, Kent, U.K., after a brief but serious illness bravely borne. He leaves behind his wife Jenifer, his four children, the spouses and grandchildren. He was the last British Chairman of Shaw Wallace Group and was also President of Assocham. He was knighted in 1978 by his Queen for his services to British interests in India. Tony and Jenifer Hayward lived a good part of their lives in India. What was special about them was that they truly loved India and being among its people. It is this deep-seated and shared feeling which guided their lives in this country. Tony Hayward guided the destiny of Shaw Wallace Group for many years and a good part of it was during the worst period for business. Bad politics, vested interests, strangulating restraints on development etc. characterised those years. Strangely, Shaw Wallace grew by a discreet selection of areas of national importance such as fertilisers and engaging unobtrusively in developing their other traditional activities. In all these it was the Hayward brand of human relations that helped him and all those who worked with him. He was ever ready to meet anybody, regardless of rank, if it helped promote trust and build a new bridge.
Tony and Jenifer were always accessible, generously hospitable and engaged in social and charitable causes. They returned to India every year to be with their wide circle of friends. Their itinerary was the same this year but it was cancelled just days before their departure from U.K.
Happy memories of the Haywards, prayers for Tony's peaceful rest and for strength for the family no doubt will continue to occupy many, many Indian minds.
