BRIAN HAYHURST

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BRIAN HAYHURST Brian David Hayhurst, former President and CEO of Hayhurst, Elias, and Dudek Insurance Company (now HED, Inc.), passed away from cancer (multiple myeloma), on April 7, 2007, at his home in Portland, Oregon. He and his loving wife, Michelle, had fought his illness with amazing courage and determination over the past three years. Brian was born in London, England on March 1, 1935, to Thomas and Isabella (Hemsley) Hayhurst. Tragically, he never knew his parents as they had both died by the time he was two years old. He was raised by his grandmother, Nan, in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex until the age of six when he was placed in an orphanage. At age 17, he emigrated to Canada and eventually settled in Winnipeg. There he started an insurance company and was ultimately one of the founding members of the firm of Hayhurst, Elias, and Dudek. In the late 1980's he sold his interest and retired. Since retirement Brian and Michelle enjoyed travelling the world and spending time at their homes in Barbados, Portland, Oregon and East Sussex, England. Many have described Brian as a true renaissance man. He loved all art forms and when he wasn't participating in them he was appreciating and supporting them. Following his successful business career he was able to concentrate on the many pursuits that interested him. He returned to school to study the visual arts, especially painting. Over the past 30 years he has been creating a uniquely beautiful five acre garden at his home in England. Brian loved all forms of music and was a member of the Glyndebourne Festival Opera Society. He was also an avid bridge player and an active member of the Oregon Wine Brotherhood . Brian is survived by his wife Michelle, his daughter Simone Johnson, her husband Chris, grandsons, Samuel and Joseph, as well as a sister Hazel in England.; his brother Peter and sisters-in-law, Mary, Joan and Lois as well as many nieces and nephews in Canada. In addition Brian was a loving stepfather to Michelle's son and daughter and their four grandchildren in the US. Brian was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Thomas and James and sister-in-law Barbara. Interment of ashes will occur at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, 4000 Portage Avenue, on Thursday, April 26, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to make a donation in Brian's name to the charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 21, 2007