Gordon S. Hayner

Gordon 'Gordie' S. Hayner, Jr. passed away with his loving family and friends by his side on Saturday, June 27th, at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center after a long period of failing health. He was the loving husband of Darlene L. (Lavalle) Hayner. Gordie was born in Boston on October 12, 1957 to Dorothy Murphy and Gordon Hayner. He was raised in Stoughton and graduated from Stoughton High School, class of 1975. He obtained his Bachelor's degree from Cornell University and continued on to receive his Masters from M.I.T. Gordie worked as a structural engineer at several Boston firms including G&M, VHB, Carter-Burgess, and Jacobs. He was well-respected by his colleagues throughout his career, making many lifelong friends along the way. Gordie talked of many of "his" building projects but two he loved to talk about especially were the "Big Dig" and the Great Point Lighthouse.
Gordie is survived by his stepson, Paul, and his daughters Stephanie and Nicole, all of Stoughton. His "3rd daughter" Ashley Gibson has been part of his family since she was 10 years old. He is also survived by his loving stuffed Rottweiler Ruddy and his Gorilla Chimpy who have been by his side through thick and thin. He was the brother of the late Dorothy 'Dorrie' Hayner. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Gordie's many friends, young and old alike, will miss him dearly. His cat, Toopie, has taken over his favorite chair.
Gordie's interests were many and varied. In his younger years you could find him at the Cantina playing darts and drinking his favorite libation, blackberry brandy. This is also where he met his future wife. When his family came along his most favorite thing to do was spend time with them. It didn't matter what he was doing, just being with them was all that mattered. He loved to tell his children funny stories of things he did when he was young, always following it with "but don't you do that." He always told his "4th daughter" Nicole Barton that he didn't have any bail money so she better not get into trouble. His love of postcards drew him to the Rhode Island Postcard Club where he made many friendships. He was editor of their newsletter, "What Cheer News." Traveling to area lighthouses was something he loved. On his honeymoon Gordie and Darlene traveled from Massachusetts to Canada stopping at every lighthouse along the way. Other interests included reading books on ships, playing chess, and photography. Whenever you saw him he had a camera around his neck, never wanting to miss that "perfect shot." On weekends you could find him and his family at yard sales, bookstores, wandering the Cape, or relaxing at Castle Island. He loved to rock out to his favorite band, The Outlaws, or pretend he was jamming with his other favorite, Slash. You would always find Diet Mountain Dew and pretzels wherever you found Gordie. If you asked him a question, you had to be prepared to get a history lesson along with his answer to the question. He loved coaching softball even when he got beaned off the head and needed 16 stitches. He just laughed it off as being "part of the game." When he wasn't coaching, you would find him on the sidelines taking a million pictures. He loved movies of all types. He always talked movies with his "2nd son" Troy Grant always recommending "must see" movies. It was always an exciting and interesting time at the Hayner house when the Giants, Gordie's favorite football team, were playing the Patriots! Many people were recipients of his famous snickerdoodle cookies at Christmas. Cards were his favorite game to play?cribbage with Darlene, hearts with anyone who would still play with him after he won almost all the games he played, rummy and Canasta nights with his family, and poker nights with his relatives and friends in Maryland. Gordie always had a smile, a kind word, a joke, or a quote for anyone he met. Throughout his many years of illness he never complained but instead got up each day and lived his life. A special thanks goes to Dr. Robert Greenberg, Dr. Stephen Maloney, Dr. Kelley Hedgepeth, and his extended dialysis family for caring for Gordie all these years. Without their care and expertise, Gordie would have left us long ago. A void has been left in the hearts of all who knew him, but we take comfort in knowing that he will continue to watch over us all and will probably keep us on our toes forever. He will be missed "Big Loops."
We are asking that, if you can, to please wear something green, Gordie's favorite color, to the wake which will be held from Farley Funeral Home, 358 Park St. (Rt. 27) Stoughton on Monday, July 6 from 5-8 PM. A celebration of Gordie's life will be held on Tuesday, July 7th, at his daughter Stephanie's house at 50 Main Street, Unit 1203, North Easton beginning at noon. Please park on Oliver Street which is right off of Main Street. Everyone is invited to attend.