DAVID JAMES HAYES

After an eight-year battle with cancer, it is with great sadness we announce the passing of David James Hayes, with family by his side, at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre in Thunder Bay, Ont.
He was born Aug. 20, 1947 in Fort Frances, Ont.
He married Maxine Strachan on Nov. 5, 1966 and together they raised two sons.
David leaves to mourn his devoted wife, Maxine, and two sons, Warren (Shirley) and Darwin (Lisa); and his three grandchildren, Joleigh, Annalise, and Keelan.
He also is survived by his sister-in-law, Jane Hayes; nephew, Chris Hayes (Bridget) and family; and nieces, Candace Prior (Daryl) and Rochelle Edison (Rob).
David was predeceased by his mother, Jean, on Aug. 18, 2005; father, Wes, on July 19, 2009; and brother, Dennis, on May 17, 1999.
David was raised in Miscampbell Township. As a young child, he loved everything that country life had to offer. He spent numerous hours working side by side with his dad logging and farming.
As a young adult, he moved to Dryden, Ont., where he was employed by the Dryden pulp and paper mill. While living there, he enjoyed driving stock car and taking judo.
He later returned to Miscampbell with his wife and son, where he started his own business in logging, sand, and gravel. Soon after his second son was born.
As a young family, they found their love of Wasaw Lake and eventually built a log cabin by hand. David continued his excellent carpentry skills by building two family homes.
David and Maxine liked travelling and spent many springs in South Padre Island, Tex. David also enjoyed driving truck; he worked for various companies hauling wood and gravel.
Finally grandchildren came along and David decided they needed to build a new cabin at Wasaw Lake.
David always was working on something. He spent a lot of time doing auto body work, carpentry, hunting, and gardening; as well as spending numerous hours on the lake boating and fishing.
The grandchildren brought many, many hours of enjoyment and laughter. David always would have treats for his grandchildren, and would let them get away with almost everything—yet scold their parents instead.
David was a very proud husband, father, and grandpa. You often would hear him tell stories of each and every one of them, with a twinkle in his eye and end the story with laughter.
A gathering in celebration of David’s life will be held Friday, Sept. 6, 2013 from 6-8 p.m. at their home.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to Tamarack House, Northern Cancer Fund, or Princess Margaret Lodge.
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.