Kenneth Russell Hay

Kenneth Russell Hay

Kenneth Hay of Austin, Manitoba passed away peacefully August 2, 2017 in the MacGregor & District Health Centre at the age of 83 years.  Ken was born on January 31, 1934 on the NE 36 10 12 farm in the Melvin District, North Norfolk. He attended Melvin District School, finishing by boarding in Austin to finish Grade 11.  He graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Diploma of Agriculture in 1953.  

Ken joined his brother Ross in Grande Prairie for a winter.  He was a night watchman for a grocery store and spent some time on the road with some colleagues testing chickens.  He farmed with his Dad until 1963 when he purchased the farm.  He met and married Marjorie Manns on August 1, 1964. Thereafter three sons joined the family and the farm; Stephen in 1965, Cameron in 1967 and Gavin in 1974. Ken kept a mixed farm for many years, raising beef cattle, hogs, and mixtures of wheat, barley, oats, buckwheat and the most memorable golden fields of sunflowers.

Ken and Mom retired from farming in 1999 after many years of hard effort. A trip to Australia and New Zealand was a lifelong dream in 2000. A pilgrimage in 2005 resulted in trip to England and Scotland.  They visited the Yonderton Farm plus visited Delgaty Castle, the seat of the Hay Clan.   Mum and Ken continued to travel and visit their grandkids numbering six girls and one grandson.

Ken was the local Manitoba Pool Elevator committee secretary for 22 years and delegate for the local committee, plus a member of the Portage Co-op, being on the board when the Omega Funeral Home was formed. He was a member of the Manitoba Pork Producers and belonged to the Austin Credit Union. Ken also attended the Austin United Church, serving as treasurer for 17 years.  Ken joined the Masonic Lodge and was presented with his 55 year Jewel and bar in 2016. He joined Mom in Eastern Star and they traveled far and wide. Ken participated in the Austin Lions Club for 25 years. He curled and volunteered at the community center plus being a Cub Master in Austin.

The struggle with Parkinson’s, first diagnosed in 1996, eventually meant Ken and Marj had to move in 2010, selling the century farm in 2014. Ken entered the care of the Gladstone Regional Hospital in early 2016. Ken moved to the MacGregor Personal Care Home in December 2016 until his passing. We so appreciate all the care Ken received from the wonderful home care staff, the hospital and the Care Home.  He was cared for respectfully and with love.  We will never forget. Thank you.

Kenneth is survived by his wife of 53 years Marjorie; son Stephen (Carole) grandchildren Mélinne and Joel, son Cameron (Karen) grandchildren Sarah and Marissa, son Gavin (Shirley) grandchildren Cassandra, Selina and Bethany as well as sister Evelyn (Hay) Pool, Ross’s wife Marguerite Hay, and former wife Thelma Hay.  He is also survived by sister’s-in-law, Muriel Watts, Barbara Manns, and with brother’s-in-law Leslie Watts and James Manns.  He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends. Predeceased by parents Russell and Martha (McGregor) Hay, brother Ross, sisters Janet Jones, Dorothy Duncan and brothers-in-law Lloyd Jones John Pool, Ralph Duncan, Ronald Manns, as well as many nephews, nieces and friends

A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, August 27, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. in the Austin Community Hall, Austin, Manitoba. Interment will be at the Austin Cemetery columbarium. 

If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Society of Manitoba at 414 Westmount Drive, Winnipeg MB R2J 1P2 or to a charity of one’s choice.

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