PENRITH THOMAS (TOM) HAYHURST

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PENRITH THOMAS (TOM) HAYHURST It is with great sadness we announce the sudden, but peaceful passing of Tom Hayhurst on Tuesday, June 19, 2012, one day after his 57th birthday. Tom was predeceased by his father, Penrith (Penny), in 1974, and by his mother, Phyllis, in November 2011. Being the only child, Tom and his mother had an extremely close bond throughout Tom's entire life. His father worked for Paul's Hauling, often leaving Tom and his mother together for extended periods when he was driving. After his father's death, Tom and his mother bonded even closer together as he made it his mission in life to care for her to the very end. Almost every Sunday, Tom would take her out to a different restaurant to share a special breakfast. He would also call his mother without fail twice a day, every day, at the same time just to be sure everything was alright. Her passing left a huge void for Tom, something he really never overcame. Tom continued his caring ways with his step-dad, Peter Rechik, being there for Peter to drive him to the hospital on a minutes' notice and calling to visit when he could. Peter will miss Tom's impromptu visits. Tom also adored and cared for his Aunt Mary before her passing, always being at her beck and call, without a complaint, even volunteering to take her and Phyllis for the annual tour of Oakburn and the Parkland communities where they grew up. Tom also had a special aunt, Aunt Catherine in Victoria, B.C. who he kept in touch with on a regular basis to be sure she was fine. Aunt Catherine will miss her favorite nephew's love and calls tremendously. Special friend, Pat Michie, will miss Tom indescribably as she leaned on him so often, as a friend who listened and did not judge, but also for financial help when she was in need, never questioning her. Pat's sons Del and Kent will also have fond memories of Tom, having spent many holidays in Winnipeg when they were younger with Tom spoiling them by taking them to parks, fairs, and movies, not to mention the spending money, and in later years, to his local watering hole. They will cherish these memories forever. Tom had several passions in his life. It began with music, learning to play the accordion at an early age and the electric bass guitar as a teenager, playing both with extreme precision. Tom absolutely loved Pink Floyd, and just weeks before his passing attended the Roger Waters concert with his good friend Darryl, who will dearly miss him. As a young man, Tom was an avid and competitive 10 pin bowler, with the trophies to prove it. Tom always loved the road trips to the states for the weekend tournaments. In later years, Tom's passions shifted to movies, video games and technology, always being the first to have the latest gadget, but never bragging or being boastful about it. Tom's movie collection was immense, including every John Wayne movie ever produced, and he would share it with anyone who asked. Tom also enjoyed spending time with both his casual and closest friends, always returning to a few select places that knew him by name, another display of Tom's loyalty. Favorites included going for perogies at Alycia's with Jim, having lunch with Doug, Wayne, Jim and Werner at Kelsey's, or just hanging out in his man-cave' watching movies with a friend. Tom also loved his automobiles, from his first new car, the Impala that Dad commandeered shortly after he brought it home, to the Tornado that made countless trips from Winnipeg to Regina and back, to his first sports car, the Celica, that he called the curling rock on wheels, to the Camaro he had his eye on before his passing. Tom's working career spanned some 38 years, of which an amazing 36 were with one company, Hatch (formerly Acres). Classically trained as a draftsman, and with an artistic flare, Tom made the transition from old school' pencil, ink and mylar to the electronic world of 3D AutoCAD. It's not surprising this kind, gentle and considerate man rose through the organization ultimately to be the Chief Civil Draftsman in the Winnipeg office. Tom always took great pride in his work, producing highly accurate, detailed, and beautiful drawings. Tom could always be counted on to go the extra mile, spending countless hours in overtime during evenings and weekends, to get the job done. Tom's legacy includes hydroelectric generating stations around the world that are producing power for millions of people that were built from drawings that Tom had a large hand in producing. Tom didn't like to see anyone upset or crying. He would always say quit it and take a deep breath. So let's do as Tom used to say, and not cry for our loss, but rather take a deep breath and celebrate the fact that we were all fortunate in knowing him and having him in our lives. Let's remember him with the love that he showed us. The family would like to say that the show of support for Tom in his final days was overwhelming. Tom will be missed by far more people than he ever realized. At Tom's request, there will not be a service. Friends are welcome to attend Tom's interment on Thursday, July 5, 2012, at 4:00 p.m., at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, 4000 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Parkinson Society of Canada would be appreciated. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.mb.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 30, 2012