JOHN DAVID HAYS -

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JOHN DAVID HAYS 1923 - 2011 Peacefully, with his family by his side, John Hays passed away on January 15, 2011 at the age of 87. Dad will be deeply missed by his wife of 63 years, Elizabeth (Doreen) (McCombe); son, David (Toni); daughter, Jean-Anne; brothers-in-law Jim (Leslie); Brian (Irene); and sister-in-law Lorraine; many nieces and nephews and cousin Bernace. Dad was predeceased by his parents, Anne and Norman; mother and father-in-law Jean and Joseph McCombe; brothers-in-law Larry and Jack and sister-in-law Jo-Anne. An only child, Dad was born in Elphinstone, MB, September 07, 1923. After several years in the Elphinstone and Oak River area, the family moved to St. Vital on Havelock. In 1939, at the age of 16 Dad, like many others of his generation, joined the Army. He served in the Military Police during the Second World War. During this period, he met his future wife, Elizabeth (Doreen). After the war, he remained in the Army, transferring to the Royal Canadian Electrical Mechanical Engineers (R.C.E.M.E.), serving at posts in Winnipeg; Whitehorse, Yukon; Shilo, Manitoba; Egypt; Soest and Hemer, Germany; London, Ontario; Cyprus; Wainwright and Calgary, Alberta; serving a total of 32 years and retiring in 1972. He worked at the Post Office as a courier and went to security work and the Corp of Commi-ssionaires, until almost 70 years of age. He loved to fish and play cards, had a great sense of humour and a very quick wit and loved animals. The family would like to thank the St. Boniface doctors and nurses for their care and compassion. In line with Dad's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no service. Rather than flowers, donations to any animal shelter or charity of your choice would be appreciated.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 22, 2011