JOHN GERALD BAYS

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JOHN GERALD BAYS B.Sc., B.A., M Div. Peacefully, with family by his side, Jack Bays passed away on Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011, at Golden West Centennial Lodge after a long battle with Parkinson's. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 46 years, Ann; children Michael (Sandy), Jacqueline, Barbara (Andre), and his five grandchildren Pamela, Kaitlin, Rachel, Jacob and Brendan, and by his dog Emmy. Jack was born in Manitou, Manitoba on August 11, 1930, and was raised in Portage la Prairie. He is survived by his sister Mary, and brothers Bruce (Beryl) and Eric (Patricia) and sister-in-law, Shirley, and was predeceased by brother Rodney, brother-in-law Bill Gardner and nephew Glen. He attended the University of Manitoba and graduated with a B.Sc. Pharmacy in 1955. Later, he attended The College of Emmanual and St. Chad, where he studied theology. Jack was ordained as an Anglican Minister in 1960, by Archbishop Walter Barfoot, at St. John's Anglican Cathedral. Later, during his time in Carmen, the new St. John's Church structure was built. He took a keen interest in social justice issues and approached his work with great enthusiasm; characteristics he displayed wherever he served. He retired from the ministry in 1995. Jack worked for the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs from 1970 - 1981. He made a large number of friends and is remembered fondly within the Manitoba Aboriginal community. Home for Jack was his cottage at Ponemah. He spent many happy hours there with family and friends, puttering in his shop, golfing and swimming, and pausing only long enough to watch his beloved Bombers - a passion that started in his playing days with the South Side Terriers. He taught his children and grandchildren to be kind and to love others. We all miss him dearly. A special thanks to the staff at Golden West Centennial Lodge for their wonderful care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The College of Emmanuel and St. Chad, (Ahab Spence Fund), 114 Seminary Crescent, Saskatoon, S7N 0X3 or Parkinson's Society of Manitoba, 7-414 Westmount Drive, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2J 1P2. A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at St. John's Anglican Cathedral, 135 Anderson Ave. Bardal Funeral Home 774-7474 Condolences: www.bardal.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 29, 2011