William J. Hayden

Visitation for William J. “Slick” Hayden, 67, of Roaming Shores, will be from 9-10:45 AM on Friday, August 29, 2014 at Davis-Babcock Funeral Home, 4154 Clark Avenue, Willoughby, followed by brief comments from friends and a blessing before the procession leaves for the cemetery at 11 AM.

Slick passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 24, 2014 at his home, comforted by his wife, Vonnie, step-sons, Todd and Troy Lavo and granddaughters, Alexandria and Whitney Lavo, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born April 5, 1947 in Cleveland, he was a longtime Lake County resident before moving to Roaming Shores 11 years ago.

An avid biker, he was one of the founders of the annual Louie Run, in honor of the late Louie Ivcovic, who owned the former Peppermint Stick Lounge in Willoughby, one of the area’s first biker-friendly bars. He enjoyed being around people and will be remembered as the king of one-liners; always ready with a joke or two.

Slick has faced three major obstacles in his life; facing each one with unmatched courage, dignity, fortitude and strength. Beginning with the loss of his leg in 1979 after being hit by a car on his motorcycle, to suffering a severe stroke 20 years ago and finally with the diagnosis of cancer last December, he dealt with the challenges that life presented. His wife Vonnie, who stayed by his side as his caregiver, was committed to keeping him at home, steadfast, never wavering.

William was employed as a locomotive engineer for the former PennCentral and Conrail railroad companies, until the loss of his leg. Fighting to regain his job and resume his career, he was employed in the rail yard at Chrysler plant until suffering a severe stroke on September 1, 1994 at age 47.

Survivors are his wife of 21 years, Vonnie; daughters, E. V. (Bill) Eismon and Becky Hayden; grandchildren, Nicki, Misty, Dylan, Connor and Devin; step-sons, John (Juanita), Todd (Cynthia), Troy (Danelle), Mark (Christine) and Daniel (Theresa) Lavo and their families, and his brother, Terry Hayden of Kirtland.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Betty Hayden and his brother, James Hayden.

Friends and alumni of the Peppermint Stick Lounge and Bridge Tavern are invited to ride in the procession to his gravesite, at Center Road Cemetery in Saybrook Township, where he will be laid to rest next to his mother.

Please omit flowers. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family.