- Winnipeg Free Press Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday

JOHN RICHARD HAYES
Born: Jan 27, 1935
Date of Passing: Sep 12, 2021
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
JOHN RICHARD HAYES
Philippians 1:21
"For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
John is survived by sons, David, Neil (Claire), Boyd, daughter Sharon (Bruce) Brown, son-in-law Rich (Emily) Wilgosh, son-in-law Grant (Robyn) Koropatnick, 17 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Predeceased by his wife Helen (nee Kingsland), twin daughters, Ruth and Esther, and daughter-in-law Susan.
John was born and raised in Winnipeg by parents James and Hazel Hayes (nee Taylor). He was the youngest and last surviving of four sons - brothers, Ralph, Gerald and Lloyd.
John was hard working and excelled academically. He graduated from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate at age 16. Later, honoured with the Silver Medalist award for Chartered Accountants at age 21. He was hired as Assistant Secretary-Treasurer and then became Secretary-Treasurer for Winnipeg School Division #1 and enjoyed his work with the division for 30 years. The last eight years prior to retirement he was the Director of Finance for The Winnipeg Foundation.
While John was known as being a smart numbers man, he believed the smartest thing he ever did was accept Jesus as his Lord and Saviour. His true passion was Jesus and supporting the work of numerous Christian organizations. John was the first Treasurer for Faith Bible Camp and was Board Chairman for 12 years for Bible for Children.
John was never shy to share his faith with others. That deep faith carried him through life's difficult moments. His lifelong mission was sharing with others that God loves each person and accepts everyone if we simply believe in Him. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" Acts 16:31. He loved his Bible and included Bible verses in every birthday card and letter ever sent.
John and Helen were married at St. James Gospel Chapel on June 29, 1957. Together they raised six children and were devotedly married to each other for 45 years prior to her death in 2002. They were a united team and took great joy in their family. Family camping trips coast to coast across Canada instilled the love for travel in all of their children. When grandchildren came along they were both very hands on and enjoyed every opportunity to be in their lives.
Our family wishes to thank all the home care and health care professionals working with John over the past five and a half years. Our family will be forever appreciative for providing our dear father the best of care in a loving home environment. John was humble and gentle and grateful for life and those who entered his. He was often thanking others and was a source of positive inspiration as he accepted life's challenges with grace and a smile.
A memorial service to celebrate John's life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 26 at Grant Memorial Church, 877 Wilkes in Winnipeg. A live online link of the service will be available via Grant Memorial Church's Facebook page.
A private burial will take place at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Faith Bible Camp:
www.faithbiblecamp.org/memorial-fund
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 18, 2021
Condolences & Memories (14 entries)
-
My most heartfelt and deepest condolences and sympathy to the entire Hayes Family. He will he sadly missed - Posted by: Indra Balkissoon (Friend) on: Sep 30, 2021
-
Although the number of times we met were few, the last time stands out. It was just before Christmas a few years ago, and John was visiting us with his son David. We were watching an Andre Rieu Christmas Special on DVD, and John was so impressed with the program that we decided to give the DVD to him as a Christmas present. We hope he was able to enjoy it since then, and look forward to meeting again when we too are called Home. - Posted by: Larry & Monica Roberts (Friends) on: Sep 28, 2021
-
I have known "Uncle John" since I was 6 years old when his church had an outreach program at my elementary school for several years - Friday Night Roundup. Over the years, and especially during my teen years, he was influential in my life - along with his brothers (who I also called "Uncle") Gerry, Lloyd and Ralph. I had wonderful visits with his family often, and a last visit at Misericordia was heartwarming for both of us. - Posted by: Rob Plouffe (Family friend) on: Sep 28, 2021
-
There a few people that I will remember well and one of them is John Hayes. We met while attending St. James Gospel Chapel years ago when my kids were young and living on Scotia St in Wpg; John made an effort to come to our home and reach out with the Gospel of Christ. He was always gentle and kind but didn't waver with the truth that we need Christ Jesus - we need His salvation. I will never forget his kindness to my family. Neither will I forget visits to 1140 with Susan, David and their young boys; truly John Hayes was blessed with a wonderful family. I am glad to have known some of them and offer deepest sympathies on their loss and join them in celebration now that he is really and truly home. - Posted by: Marie Dekleer (Friend) on: Sep 27, 2021
-
Pat and I extend our sincere sympathy to Uncle John's family. Uncle John lived his life with enthusiasm and integrity as a follower of Jesus Christ as his Saviour and Lord. We admired the committed way Sharon and Bruce provided a loving home for Uncle John for the past several years. We were so thankful to be able to watch the memorial service honoring Uncle John. - Posted by: Jim and Pat Hayes (nephew) on: Sep 27, 2021
-
I am so thankful that I knew Mr. Hayes. He was always so kind to me at St. James Gospel Chapel. I admired his faith and was always encouraged in his presence. His love for the Lord and others was so evident in any interaction with him. Thank for your example Mr. Hayes. So thankful for the hope of heaven and that you are reunited with all your loved ones you missed and had grieved here on earth. - Posted by: Deanne Balkissoon(Gilmour) (Friend) on: Sep 26, 2021
-
My condolences to the Hayes family. Mr. John Hayes was my supervisor at the Winnipeg School Division. He was a wonderful man. He always greeted you with a good morning how are you and truly respected you as an employee. I have wonderful memories of the Winnipeg School Division and our Mr John Hayes was one of them for sure. Will Always be remembered. - Posted by: Evelyn Myskiw (co worker at WSD#1) on: Sep 26, 2021
-
Meeting Ruth and Esther on the first day of grade 7 was our introduction to the Hayes family and the beginning of a lifelong friendship. Times in their home were always full of love and laughter. In more recent years we enjoyed meeting Mr. Hayes at Mission fest and sharing how God was working in our lives and ministry. Our prayers are with the entire Hayes family. May the many warm memories you have of your Dad weave a blanket of comfort around you all. Arvid & Ruth Loewen - Posted by: Arvid & Ruth Loewen (Friend ) on: Sep 24, 2021
-
It is with a heavy heart that we learned of the passing of John Hayes. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Hayes family. Our family has had a life-long relationship with the Hayes family, dating back to when my father attended school with John's eldest brother, Ralph. Over the years, we have been able to refer to the Hayes family as friends, neighbours and role models in faith. While we are saddened by John's passing, we take solace in knowing that John has met his Lord and Saviour and Heavenly Father and is reunited with his loving wife, daughters, and other family members. Don & Carolyn Halbert - Posted by: Don Halbert (Friend) on: Sep 21, 2021
-
I first became acquainted with John when he came out a few times during the summer of 1987 to volunteer at Pioneer Camp. His son Neil, aka Captain Jack, was the Program Director at that time. As I was scanning the obituaries in today’s Free Press John’s face immediately came into my recognition. I remember him as a kind, encouraging, thoughtful and generous Christian gentleman. That those qualities and his face are so recognisable to me, some 34 years later, is a testament to his authenticity. My prayers for, and condolences, go out to Neil, Claire and the rest of John’s family and others who loved him. Blessings in Christ the Lord, Mark+ Rest eternal grant to John, O Lord; And let light perpetual shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. - Posted by: Rev. Dr. D. Mark Davison (Friend) on: Sep 18, 2021
-
Ruth and I extend our sincere condolences to Uncle John's family. I have a number of wonderful memories of Uncle John. One that does back to my childhood is the Annual Hayes Family Picnics that Uncle John and Aunt Helen helped to organize. A second happy memory was driving Uncle John home from church...he was always so appreciative of this small thing. A third really happy memory was the visits with Uncle John when he was in respite at Misericordia. It was great to think about the Hayes Family history together, and I always came away encouraged and refreshed from my visit with Uncle John. He was such a thankful man! Many thanks to my cousin Sharon and her husband Bruce, and their children for the wonderful care that they took of Uncle John over the past number of years! With Love From Ken and Ruth. - Posted by: Ken Hayes (nephew) on: Sep 18, 2021
-
Sending our deepest condolences to your families. We did not know your dad but know and admire the loving care you (Sharon and Bruce) extended to your dad while he was living with you over the last 5 1/2 years. It does not go unnoticed that your selflessness and respect for your dad spurred you to do this tremendous act of love allowing him to live his last years surrounded by you and his grandkids. What a beautiful testimony to the love of Christ that lives in you. I know your Dad was blessed by your sacrificial care and I know your Heavenly Father above is so proud of you for being His hands and feet in such a tangible way. The Bettigs - Posted by: Lori Bettig (Friend) on: Sep 18, 2021
-
I was fortunate to work at the WSD when John was Assistant Secretary Treasurer and Treasurer, he truly was a gentleman and always a positive and kind person to be around. My condolences to the family. - Posted by: Lorraine Lorenz (coworker ) on: Sep 18, 2021
-
Sending our very deepest condolences to all of Uncle John’s immediate family. I have very fond memories of family get togethers when we were younger. A more recent memory of Uncle John for me was from a few years back when he was still able to drive. He had found some information about music therapy for children with Autism and it’s benefits. He had photocopied the information and brought it over for us thinking of Justin. I was very touched by his thoughtfulness. Sharon… you have taken the best care of your Dad these past few years and should be commended for taking him in to be with you and your family. I’m sure he was beyond grateful for your care. Although we are all sad when someone passes … we know that he has been reunited with his loved ones in Heaven. Sending our love to the family. - Posted by: Leslie , Carey and Justin Candy (Niece) on: Sep 18, 2021