Comic gained royal approval (From The Oxford Times)

Ronnie Hayward

8:30pm Thursday 27th October 2011 in Local Obituaries

Oxford-born stand-up comedian “Squire” Ronnie Hayward, who entertained millions including the Royal Family, has died aged 69.

Patrick Thomas Hayward, from Cumnor, passed away on Sunday, September 25, after suffering from cancer of the oesophagus.

Mr Hayward, who was born in Hurst Street, East Oxford, on July 27, 1942, worked as a professional comedian for almost 50 years.

His parents were Raymond Hayward and Alice Hayward (nee Roberts) and he had three sisters – Kathleen, Pauline and Angela.

He went to East Oxford Primary School and then the City of Oxford High School, leaving at 16 to start work at the Oxford University Press as a printer.

He then worked as a children’s entertainer, a ventriloquist, before becoming a stand-up comedian.

He made his television debut on Sunday Night at the London Palladium in 1971.

Mr Hayward went on to appear on such shows as The Val Doonican Show, Candid Camera, Monkhouse and Starburst.

He had his own series of TV shows – Ronnie’s Roads, Don’t Fence Me In and The Grass is Greener – and appeared on radio panel shows including Wit’s End.

Mr Hayward’s clean comedy style put him in demand on cruise liners and he performed before members of the Royal family and to British troops across the world including those serving in the Falkland Islands.

He married Sue Crozier in 1967 at St Michael’s Church in Cumnor after meeting her at The Forum in Oxford.

They have two children – Justin, 43, and Sally-Anne, 40 – and three grandchildren, Katie, 13, Luke, ten, and Ben, six.

Mr Hayward also played rugby and was captain of the Oxford Citizens’ Rugby Club. He was proud of witnessing Roger Bannister’s record breaking four-minute mile.

Daughter Sally-Anne said: “On a personal note, he was a very kind and warm father and grandfather – proud and devoted. He was a true gentleman with warmth and a wonderfully dry wit. A gentle soul who enjoyed the simple things in life.”

Mr Hayward’s funeral took place at St Michael’s Church in Cumnor on October 10 and his family requested donations to Oesophageal Research.