JAMES GERALD (GERRY) HAYES

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JAMES GERALD (GERRY) HAYES Peacefully, on March 9, 2017, James Gerald (Gerry) Hayes entered into the presence of his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, at the age of 90 years. Dad was predeceased by his first wife Kathleen (Kay) Hayes (Guile); great-grandson Jay; brothers, Ralph (Jane) and Lloyd; brothers-in-law John Rosborough, Norman (Norah), Dennis, Gerald (Myrtle, Grace) and Eric; sisters-in-law, Nora (Hugh), and Helen. He is lovingly remembered by his wife Jean Hayes (Rosborough), who cared for him so faithfully during the past few years, his sons, Jim (Pat) and Ken (Ruth); his daughter Susan; grandchildren, Ian (Morgan), Leah (Josh), Andrew (Jennifer) and Jeffrey (Shawna); great-grandchildren, Willow, Sullivan, Everett, Roger, Rory, Brady, Ivy, Bryna, Kaylen and Declan. He is fondly remembered by his brother John; his sisters-in-law, Sarina, Mavis, and Heather (Don) and many nephews, nieces and their families. Born in Winnipeg, Dad lived a long and full life and accomplished much. He graduated in 1943, first in his class from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate. He worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway for 22 years and became Assistant Superintendent for Western Canada passenger service. In 1965, Dad transitioned his leadership and management expertise to the health care field and went to work for the Manitoba Health Organizations where he subsequently became Assistant Executive Director. In 1977, he become the Administrator of Meadowood Manor, retiring in 1989. After his wife Kay passed away in 1995, Dad married Jean in 1997 and they lived in Zambia for three years, where he served as the Administrator of the Kalene Mission Hospital. Dad and Jean returned to Winnipeg in 2000 and enjoyed many happy years together, travelling to Florida in the winter, camping during the summer, and travelling to British Columbia to visit Jean's family and friends. Dad was a committed Christian and often served in leadership in the churches he attended including Arlington Street Gospel Chapel, Oxford Bible Church, and Maples Community Church. He was a faithful supporter of Faith Bible Camp. We have many fond memories of Dad being a loving father, a caring friend to many, an active community supporter and a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ. He was a man of many talents and his life was marked by energy, enthusiasm, faith, integrity and a positive attitude. As a little boy of five years, Dad suffered a major burn that resulted in him missing his first year of school while he recovered at the Winnipeg Children's Hospital and at home. Although he recovered to lead a fulfilling life, that experience impacted his understanding of life and faith in a loving and sovereign God. Our family would like to express its gratitude for the care provided by the Winnipeg Health Region's Palliative Care and Home Care Programs. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faith Bible Camp, P.O. Box 42059, RPO Ferry Road, Winnipeg, MB R3J 3X7 or a charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at the Gilbart Funeral Home, 309 Eveline Street, Selkirk, Manitoba. Condolences may be left at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 18, 2017