Obituary of Mr. Jim Hay

Jim Hay, a loving husband, wonderful father and proud grandfather passed peacefully on Sunday April 28^th, 2019 surrounded by family. Survived by his wife Irene, daughters Pauline and Vickie and son John. Michael, Keelin and Max will forever miss their grandpa.

Jim was born in Edinburgh Scotland in 1947 and grew up the youngest of 3 along with his 2 sisters, Anne and Irene and parents John and Violet. He was a mischievous (some may say cheeky) boy who enjoyed kicking around a football & shooting pool with friends. He was his mom’s blue-eyed boy.

Jim met his beautiful bride Irene at the age of 17. She was very taken with him due to his resemblance of Paul McCartney and the fact that he was “tall”. A fact he always reminded his children of. 

Jim and Irene were married March 1^st, 1968 and had their first 2 children in Edinburgh. With the promise of more opportunities for his new family, Jim flew across the ocean to Labrador City, Canada in 1972 to work and build a life. Irene joined him a few months afterwards with Pauline and John in tow. Needless to say, Irene was not thrilled about a basement apartment in snowy Labrador in the middle of winter with 2 young kids. But they made it work and Vickie was born a few years after. Jim, Irene and the kids packed up and moved to Toronto in 1979 where they all reside to this day.

Jim was a proud Scotsman, loved his golf, watching Jeopardy, crosswords and beer – in no particular order. His best friends and golf partners, John and Bill, were a constant fixture in the Hay household. Sadly, Bill passed away last year but we all like to think they are up there together working on their shot. Probably sun tanning and swapping stories over a pint.

A devoted husband and dance partner to Irene (don’t get him started on the time they won the twist contest). They lived a simple, content but full life together. He was a golf shirt and shorts kind of man – nothing fancy but genuine to the core, generous to a fault. They enjoyed going to the pub together with their friends. They loved their annual trips to Florida, hanging out at Woody’s, and visiting family back home. Jim never lost his mischievous streak and loved “winding” Irene up.

Jim’s 3 children all had a loving relationship with their dad. He grew up in the era where a stern look was all you needed to see to know how he felt. He would have done anything for his kids (and often did!). His sense of humor was something that he passed down to all of them.  He loved joking around and attempting to fool you with his classic dad “quarter behind your ear” trick. 

Jim had 3 grandchildren – all of whom he was extremely proud of and doted on. Nothing made him happier than teaching them how to swing a golf club or showing them a magic trick. He would spend hours just being a big kid with them. He has left a legacy of kindness and generosity to the next generation. Big shoes to fill but no doubt they all will.

Jim was deeply loved and will be terribly missed. There are absolutely no words to describe the sense of loss that we all feel. His family and friends, both far and near, have expressed their great love and fondness for the man we call dad.

We love you Jim, dad, grandpa xo