Denis HAYES

HAYES - Denis September 14, 1936 - December 27, 2013 The family of Denis Hayes is saddened to announce that he passed away December 27 after a brief illness. Denis is survived by his children Denise (Ed) Sharkey, Marcella (Jason) Sirois and Tony (Val) Hayes, grandchildren Elena, Ailsa, Meghan and Miranda, as well as sister Anne Kavanagh of Cape Breton and brother Andy (Mary) Hayes of Cork City, Ireland. He was predeceased by his wife Bridie, granddaughter Tyra, brothers Tom and Joe and sister Clare. Denis was born in Mallow, County Cork, Ireland and moved to Canada in 1953 at the age of 17. He quickly joined the Canadian Armed Forces and had a lengthy military career as a medic and public health specialist. He attained the rank of Master Warrant Officer. After leaving the Army in 1982, Denis and family moved to Campbell River where he embarked on a second career as federal Environmental Health Officer. He retired in 2002 after many years of making a positive difference in communities up and down the coast. Denis always loved Ireland, but he adored Canada. He was passionate about hockey, French Immersion, public health, the Canyonview Trail and protecting the Beaver Lodge Lands. He was devoted to family and to physical fitness and completed more than 40 marathons in his lifetime, including several after the age of 70. He had a huge network of friends from all walks of life and was particularly fond of his many running partners, fellow Sportfit fans and Willows Pub regulars. He supported many good causes, particularly those that help children and youth in need. He had a positive impact on the world. Special thanks to Dr. Rob Ramsey for all his care. A memorial mass will be held at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church Saturday, January 4 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Denis would have appreciated donations to his favourite causes - Feed the Children, Canuck Place, Covenant House and the Campbell River Hospice Society.