Tom Leighty, age 68, a resident of Hayward, died on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at Hayward Health in Hayward, after a brief battle with cancer.

Thomas Leighty was born on October 29, 1953, in Superior, Wisconsin to parents Richard and Verle (Bakke) Leighty.

He grew up in Superior and attended the Superior Schools. After graduating high school, he briefly attended UW Superior before transferring to the U of M Duluth where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree. It was during his college years that he began spending time in the Hayward area where he was employed as a bartender at various establishments, including Karibalis Restaurant on Main Street. After graduation from college, he moved to Hayward where he worked for the LCO Schools for a time before beginning a career at the Sawyer County Health and Human Services, which would span over 25 years. Tom was united in marriage to Diane Wickland, and although later divorced, to this union a daughter Erica was born. Tom’s interest in Musky fishing and making custom equipment began when he started making custom Musky fishing rods which eventually transitioned to his bigger love of Golf when he started re-gripping golf clubs, and later started his business named Golf Services, where he made custom golf clubs. Tom enjoyed skiing and skied the Birkie, playing tennis, Musky fishing, but as mentioned, his passion was playing golf. Tom retired in 2010, and began splitting his time living in Hayward and on Isla Mujeres in Mexico.

Tom is survived by his daughter Erica Leighty of Duluth, MN, and his brother Stephen Leighty of Minneapolis, MN. He was also survived by his many friends at The Twin Lakes Tap and Spider Lake Golf course.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents.

A gathering of Tom’s friends and family will be held on Thursday, August 18, 2022, from 4-6pm, at the Hayward Funeral Home.

Last Update: Aug 08, 2022 3:56 pm CDT