July 1, 1938 – June 12, 2025
Mr. John William (Bill) Hayes, or “Red” as he was affectionately known, passed away peacefully in Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre on Thursday, June 12, 2025 with his loving family by his side.
Bill was born in Fort William, Ontario on July 1, 1938 to Jack and Margaret (nee Grant) Hayes and was educated locally. Bill drove truck for Gamble Robinson before starting his nursing career, working at the Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital until retirement in 1996. It was here that he met his soulmate, Pirkko Kraft, and they were married on June 17, 1978.
Bill had met and kept awesome work friends. After retirement, Bill became a “stay-at-home Dad” for sons Billy and Peter. He would take them to camp at Northern Lights Resort at any opportunity. He taught them to fish and hunt, how to operate the boat and motor, how to shoot a hunting rifle, how to ride a snow machine and how to fix them, how to walk quietly through the bushes and trees, and how to drive that “Northern Light Road” during all seasons.
Bill introduced Billy and Pete to classic country music. He was our 'music man'. He tickled the ivories of piano and organ, he plucked the banjo and played the accordian, sometimes at camp dinners or around the campfire. Bill received his musical gift from his father (who could play anything).
Our camp friends included the McMillans, the Millers, the Jeans, the Burgers, the Aitkens, the Carusos, the Laughtons and the Ferracins. Bill was so loved and welcomed into the Kraft family so many years back too.
Bill will be deeply missed and cherished by his wife of 46 years, Pirkko; his sons Bill and Peter (Kim) and his special granddaughter Nora Sisko, who always brought out the softer side of her “Papa”. He is also survived by his two children from his first marriage, Jack and Judy; sister Patricia (Bob) Kucher; brother-in-law Jouni (Deborah) Kraft, sister-in-law Eeva Kraft, brother-in-law Veli Kraft, sisters-in-law Anna (Joel) Myyrylainen and Marja (Raimo) Pehkonen, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Margaret; brother Murray Hayes and sister-in-law Sharon Hayes; father-in-law and mother-in-law Paavo and Eevi Kraft, and sister-in-law Lisa Kraft.
Bill was grateful to Dr. Chan and Dr. Sellick at the Regional Cancer Centre for their time and expertise. Prior to his passing, Bill received wonderful and compassionate care from the E.R. nurses and the nurses on 2C. Thank you to Archdeacon Deborah Kraft who took the time to visit Bill and anoint him before his passing.
Bill knew and was assured that God would take him home. There has not been an end to the pouring of love and support from family and friends. Bill now walks in the “newness of life”.
A graveside service in Bill's honour will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 11:00am in Lappe Cemetery. All are invited to gather at the Lappe Lutheran Church for a luncheon after the service.
Should friends so desire, donations made in his name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters would be greatly appreciated.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James.
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever”
- Hebrews 13:8
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