I am sad today writing about the passing of my dear friend, Ted Hayward, who passed away just before Christmas.
Our friendship began some 17 years ago when I was just starting out in the antique business and beginning to do shows. It was at the now-defunct Paul Davis Portsmouth Yoken’s Show where we first met and began a wonderful friendship. Ted and Carole’s first purchase was a paint decorated box †something we shared a great love for. Ted always had great painted boxes! Reflecting back, our friendship felt more like a family relationship that grew through the years.
Ted was one of the most loyal dealers I have known, and he defined what it meant to be a great dealer. He and Carole were passionate about the objects they purchased. Ted would call regularly, asking, “What have you got for me?” Even as health failed, Ted and Carole continued to look for that great antique.
When my partner, Butch Berdan, and I joined forces, I think Ted was concerned that he wouldn’t be on our radar as much, but, to the contrary, he also became a friend to Butch. Beneath his blustery, gruff demeanor, Ted was a man who loved his wife, family and friends he made in the business.
This love of the business and friends really was represented at its best with Ted’s regard for the NHADA August show. Ted valued the association and show and took the show seriously, always finding fresh and exciting objects. His passing will be a loss to the association and show he loved so much.
A few weeks before Christmas, Ted and I spoke about Nan Gurley’s Marlborough show. Before we hung up, I asked Ted if he and Carole would consider selling me a folk art puppet that once belonged to Butch’s mother, Betty. I thought it would be a great surprise. Ted said he would think about it and get back to me.
Two weeks later, I received a call from Ted saying he and Carole had decided to sell it to me and wished he could be there to see Butch’s face when he received his gift. Christmas Eve day we heard the sad news of Ted’s passing and I decided to give my gift early. Ted was with us when we opened the box and we shed a tear for our dear friend. When I see the puppet, I remember Ted.
Ted could be tough as nails, but he could be a kind friend, and the antiques world has lost someone special. I will miss you, Ted, but know one day we will be trading paint decorated boxes again. Until then, rest in peace, my friend.
Tom Jewett, Jewett-Berdan Antiques, Newcastle, Maine
(Editor’s Note: Antiques And The Arts Weekly was sorry to learn that Ted Hayward of The Yankee Smuggler Antiques, Richmond, N.H., passed away just before Christmas. His obituary, unavailable at press time, will run in next week’s issue.)
