Obituary of Walter Jerome Hayes

It is with great sadness that the family of Walter Jerome Hayes announces his passing, which occurred on November 21, 2023 at the Sussex Health Centre. Born in Jeffries Corner, NB, on July 11, 1937, he was a son of the late Urban and Ella (Hall) Hayes.

Walter is survived by his special friend, Carolyn Webster; his children: Keith Hayes (Tammy) of Jeffries Corner, Kevin Hayes (Craig Jones) of Moncton, Christine Gallant (Paul) of Sussex, Teresa McPhee (Tracy) of Jeffries Corner, and Nancy Carpenter (Peter) of Sussex; his grandchildren: Natasha (John), Jeremy (Brittany), Amanda (Justin), Justin (Emily), Matthew (Dana), Alex (Laura), Ella, Conner, Charli, and step-granddaughters, Brittany and Makala; his great grandchildren: Lexie, Finley, Fletcher, Kelsey, Reid, Mia, Rilynn and step-great-grandchildren, Lexus, Madison, Chase, and Lincoln; his brothers: Fred Hayes (Margaret) of Sussex Corner and Carl Hayes of Saint John; and his sisters: Kay Grant of Calgary, AB, Bernice Hayes (Geoff) of Queensland, Australia, Marie Rideout (Wayne) of Hamilton, ON, and Lois Cassidy of Saint John. Walter is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, Walter was predeceased by his loving wife, Evelyn (Mercer); his brothers: Don, Patrick, and Jack; his sisters: Margorie Summerville and Elizabeth Monahan; his great granddaughter Claire; and their Baby Boy.

Walter loved God, his family and being in the woods. He lived a simple life in Jeffries Corner; where he spent many a day working on his land gardening, cutting fire wood or fetching a load of logs for the mill. He could often be found in his shed whittling axe handles, turning a peavey handle on the lathe or simply tinkering away at some project. 

He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and always off to help with one function or another. Walter loved attending Sunday Mass and especially loved when his family joined him. He had a deep faith in God and that faith carried him through to the end. 

We will all remember his smile, his laugh, his love and the many chats over the years. The joy in his eyes while watching his children and grandchildren open presents on birthdays and Christmas. His absence will be felt for years to come, but he is at rest, at peace and now he has gone home.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, NB (506-433-1176) from where a visitation will take place on Monday, November 27 from 2-4; 6-8pm. A celebration of Walter’s life will take place on Tuesday, November 28 at 11:00am from St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church (114 Church Ave, Sussex, NB). A private family interment will follow.

Donations in memory of Walter may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and donations may be made through wallacefuneralhome.com