GOZZARD: Haydn of Grand Bend

Haydn passed away peacefully at South Huron Hospital, Exeter surrounded by those he loved, on Friday, October 10, 2025 at the age of 88. Beloved husband of the late Sylvia Karen (Zavitz) Gozzard for 59 years. Cherished father of Christine “Chris” and Brian Thompson. Adored grandfather of Breanna (Ben) Thompson and Tory (Britt) Thompson. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Susan “Sue” and Gary Wilson. Predeceased by his siblings Terry (Beryl) Gozzard and Hedley “Ted” Gozzard and his parents Edward and Esther (Edley) Gozzard. Survived by sister-in-law, Janet Gozzard. Fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews, long-time friend Ed Preszcator, and his furry companion, Georgie.

Haydn was born in Sheffield, England in 1936.  A few years after his mother’s death, anxious for a fresh start, Haydn’s father, Edward, decided to move Haydn and sister, Sue, to Canada where they would be reunited with Haydn’s two older brothers, Terry and Hedley (Ted).  Edward, Haydn and Sue set sail on the “Empress of England” in October of 1957, the final trans-Atlantic crossing of the year for the “Empress”.  The trio moved to London, Ontario to live with Terry and his wife, Beryl, who had immigrated to Canada a few years before and who had sponsored the trio to move to Canada.  Having graduated from school in Sheffield as a licensed auto mechanic, Haydn secured employment immediately.  Less than a few months later and with the help of his father, Haydn left his employer and opened his first business, “English Autos”, a car repair business specializing in European cars.  Haydn would never work for anyone but himself ever again.  Over the next 18 years, Haydn would own 3 different car businesses all in London, finishing out his automotive career with the ownership of a Renault car dealer, “London Auto Sales”.  Haydn left the car industry in 1976 when he sold his interest in the car dealership.  

During the early to mid 60s, Haydn and new wife, Sylvia, spent most of their free time on the Canadian car rally circuit.  As with just about everything that Haydn did in his life, he was very successful on the rally circuit.  The duo’s most impressive victory was their win of the ‘Shell 4000’, a gruelling rally across Canada taking 6 days to complete the more than 4000 mile event.  

In the late 60s, Haydn took up another hobby – sailing.  Haydn’s passion for sailing eventually led him to co-found Bayfield Boat Yard in 1970 with his brother, H Ted.  In 1976, Haydn left Bayfield Boat Yard and established Scorpio Yachts.  Haydn formerly retired from boat building in 2008 however he didn’t exit the industry entirely.  Since 2008 and right up until very recently, Haydn tinkered alongside his longtime friend and former employee, Ed Preszcator, building and repairing boats at “Ed’s Boat Repair”.  Haydn is best known for the custom yachts he built over the years including an Andrews 72 and a Ladd 51.  Almost all of his custom builds and his extensive refits feature a signature wood inlaid table, a testament to his creativity, artistry and craftsmanship.

It comes as no surprise that Haydn’s competitive nature led him into the world of sailboat racing.  Haydn was a member of Bayfield Yacht Club for many years and raced his beloved Viking 33, “Renegade II”, all around Lake Huron, collecting numerous flags and hardware along the way.  Being the fierce competitor that he was, his only regret is never winning the Bayview Mackinac race despite 8 attempts to do so.  Haydn finished up his sailboat racing career in Grand Bend and was a long time member of the Grand Bend Yacht Club.  After a couple of successful years racing aboard his friend, Ole Hammerburg’s boat, “Aquavit”, Haydn jumped ship and successfully campaigned his daughter, Christine’s boat, “Looking Glass”.  Wherever Haydn went, success seemed to follow! Some of Haydn’s happiest memories involve his years of racing with his wife and daughter.     

Once Haydn retired from boat building, he reconnected and rekindled his love of golf.  He was a member of both Ironwood and Exeter golf courses.  In addition to playing in the  men’s leagues at Ironwood and Exeter, he also played in the men’s leagues at Oakwood and at Sandhills.  Over the years, he picked up his fair share of prizes at each course he played on.  He was very proud to have won the Senior Men’s Championship at both Ironwood and Exeter in the same year.  In these last few years, you would often find Haydn playing golf on Sunday afternoons, partnering up with grandson, Tory, to consistently beat Christine, Brian (son-in-law), Breanna (granddaughter) and her partner, Ben.  He treasured these moments with his family playing a game he loved.  

Haydn was a brilliant man whose mechanical ingenuity was second to none.  There was never a problem he couldn’t solve.  His memory was razor sharp right up until the day he died. He could tell you in vivid detail about a golf shot he’d played or the rounding of a mark in a particular sailboat race!  Haydn’s mind never rested and he was always looking for his next project.  Over his lifetime he built 5 different homes, with his last home being built in Grand Bend so that he could be closer to Christine and her family.  Talented as he was, he completed virtually all aspects of each build.  He was truly one of a kind and will be greatly missed by so very many.   

Please join us as we celebrate Haydn’s life on Friday, October 17th at the Grand Bend Yacht Club, 55 River Road, Grand Bend from 2:00 – 4:00 PM.  At Haydn’s request, this event will be a casual, drop-in type of event without planned speeches. 

Cremation has taken place.

Donations to Jessica’s House or Paws United Dog Rescue in Haydn’s memory would be appreciated by the family.