Andre Hayward's Tribute To Cousin Vincent: May His Spirit Live In Our Hearts Forever

Greetings To All Family And Friends:

First of all I would like to apologize for not physically being here for this occasion. To make up for not being here, I would like to pay my respects to Vincent, Aunt Vera, and cousin Cedrick with this blog post.

Words cannot express how much I miss my cousin. He was a great role model and true friend. I remember as a kid when the family came to Houston to visit. I was in nursery school and Vincent came along with me for the day. I was so proud to have my older cousin with me. My chest was stuck out the whole day. He was bright and articulate at a young age.

I also remember the family vacations to Arizona as a kid. The tour of Colossal Cave, eating at Furr's cafeteria, and just for being around Vincent and Cedrick during that time. What great fun that was! The times Aunt Vera, Vincent and Cedrick would visit Houston was enjoyable. I never wanted see them go when it was time for them to return to Arizona.

Vincent was a major advocate for education and the arts. He was very encouraging to me all throughout my music career. He understood the trials and struggles that artists go through and would often give sound advice that would help keep me going. Vincent wrote excellent poems and it's unfortunate we didn't have a chance to combine his writing talents with some jazz music. He attended every concert when I had the opportunity to perform in Austin. He would even hang with us crazy jazz musicians at the local jam sessions after the performances.

Vincent was a quite a jazz fan himself along with an ecclectic taste for other genres of music. The good taste comes from both Uncle Freddie and Aunt Vera. Aunt Vera also exposed me to jazz by the way. Thank You Aunt Vera!

Vincent is the perfect model of African American excellence and acheivement. I Googled him a few days ago and noticed quite a bit of his writings on various websites. What an excellent writer, poet, and educator he was. The University of Texas and the University of Colorado (Boulder) communities has experienced the wisdom and humanity of a great man.

My cousin! I'm truly proud to say this. When I think of his contributions and his tireless dedication to teaching, it inspires me to maintain a higher level of standards in the world of music education. This blog post is not only my personal tribute, but that of my mother and Vincent's aunt, Barbara Woodard-Hayward.


Much appreciation is given to the attending family members, Aunt Patricia Ogboenyiya and Cousin Keith Ogboenyiya.

Other family members who were not able to attend but sends their love and support are:

• Aunt Debbie Simmons-Burkes
• Uncle Don Gill
• Uncle Lewis Woodard
• Uncle L.C. Woodard
• Melvin Hayward
• Shantel Hayward
• Sunday and Michael Rax
• Laurie Nunn
• Angela Grainger
• Melanie Simmons
• Minta Nedd
• Michelle Sparrow
• Kedric Simmons
• Brittany Hayward
• Ashleigh Hayward
• Angel Rax
• "Little Marcus" Rax
• Karin Parker

I want to send a special message to Aunt Vera and Cedrick. We all love you both and are mourning this sad occasion from our various destinations. Vincent has served his mission here on Earth and is resting with God in peace, in harmony, and as a whole person again. There will be a time when we will all see him again. Let us all try to remember Vincent for all of the great times we have all spent with him.

I'd like to end this post with a composition of mine that was written last spring and performed with a group called the San Francisco Jazz Collective.

It's entitled,"Peace Offering". The link to the song will be at the bottom of this post.

A special salute to the most intelligent, witty, kind, caring, giving, hippest, coolest brother to ever walk the face of the earth. My cousin, mentor, and true friend, Vincent Woodard. I love you my dear cousin and looking forward to seeing you again someday.

God Bless Our Entire Family and Friends of Vincent.

Andre L. Hayward

Here's the audio link for "Peace Offering". I think Vincent would have enjoyed this.