Robert Thomas Hayes “Uncle Bob”

Robert Thomas Hayes (Bob), known by many as “Uncle Bob” passed peacefully, with family by his side in St. Anthony Hospital, The Pas, Manitoba, August 9, 2022.

Bob was born August 16, 1938 in St. Anthony Hospital to Percy and Eva Hayes, a baby brother for Ron who was 7 years old. Bob completed all of education in The Pas and reminisced of his days and the friends he still connected with. He was a respected Sargent in The Pas Air Cadets and his love for planes remain strong through his life. As an adult, Bob worked for Carroll Motors, Province of Manitoba - Surveying, Steelgas, CNR until his retirement. In his retirement, Bob volunteered with CASARA (Search and Rescue) and he was GPS/Runner for Libbrecht Trucking as well as driver for local car dealerships, “be damned if they bother calling on a good lake day!”

 

Bob’s summers were spent at his cabin and on the water whenever possible. He would cruise the shoreline before all of the ice was off in the spring! His pride and joy was getting the first water skier up in the spring, again often before the ice was off and the kids loved it. The kids he taught knew to wave him down from their dock when they saw him pass by … then your kids may be gone for an hour or back at dark! Uncle Bob was very patient and nonjudgmental, as long as you were trying, he would keep it going. When he decided it was time skiing was done, he would just say “ok we are done for today!” And drop them off.

Bob’s winters were spent countless hours at the arena as a kid and player then later coaching hockey. His biggest boast was equal ice time, all kids had fun with Bob and played hockey. He told countless stories of putting his “B Team” together with kids that never had the chance to travel, they played hard, they won and lost; but they mainly had fun! Bob bought more than one van to give those kids a chance to play hockey out of town, he reminisced of the time he packed 10 boys in the van and away they went, he had billets lined up and the families that took them in spoke so highly of the great manners and appreciation the boys had with each and every family. Oh the stories he told of who was thought to be the “best” player, once they became a team of even ice time, all became stronger together as a team rather than one shining star. Bob kept the fun in the game and created a Team that was strong.

Uncle Bob was far ahead of his time for encouraging and going against the grain to get the girls playing hockey. His pride and joy was getting the girls playing, they showed those boys how to play and those boys followed.

He really IS OUR Uncle Bob! He will be missed dearly.

Bob was predeceased by his parents Percy and Eva Hayes and numerous aunts and uncles. He is survived by his brother Ron (Norma) Hayes, nephews Robert (Renee), Kelly (Patty) and niece Shannon (Gary). Great nieces & nephews: Julia, Jenna, Braden (Jenna), Dayna (David), Randi (Les) and Amanda.

Along with many Great-Great nieces and nephews: Lily, Declan, Liam, Jaxon, Scotti, Liam, Dominic, Kieran, Brady and Matthew.

A memorial service will be held September 3, 2022, 3:00 pm, at the Royal Canadian Legion Club Room, The Pas.

In lieu of flowers, donations to

The Pas Minor Hockey Association

P.O. Box 794

The Pas, MB  R9A 1K8

Or etransfer/email to:

thepasminorhockeyexec@gmail.com

Would be appreciated by Uncle Bob’s family.