JOEL HAYES

Condolences & Memories (34 entries)

• I'm truly heartbroken to hear about Joel's passing. Growing up, I was often picked on in the neighborhood, and Joel and his brother were always the ones who showed me kindness and made me feel safe. Their compassion meant the world to me and left a lasting impact on my life. I'll always remember Joel's warmth and generosity. My deepest sympathies go out to his family and everyone who loved him. - Posted by: Cherrelle (Neighbor) on: May 20, 2025

• It's been over a year and I still miss you. - Posted by: doesn't matter () on: Dec 06, 2014

• Great teacher, great coach, but an even greater person; something few can honestly say. Your loss will be felt. RIP. - Posted by: Kyle (Friend) on: Mar 22, 2014

• Great teacher, great coach, but an even greater person; something few can honestly say. Your loss will be felt. RIP. - Posted by: Kyle (Classmate/ teammate ) on: Mar 22, 2014

• I have known Joel since I was in middle school and he was the best teacher ever. He was the kindest person I have ever met and he will be missed. Rest In Peace Joel - Posted by: Tyler Peters () on: Dec 11, 2013

• I remember Joel as a friendly, happy, easy going young boy at Westwood Collegiate. Unlike many young students, Joel had the ability to relate well with adults. He was always involved in student activities which brought him often to the school office where I worked. He always had a smile and a wit about him which endeared him to me immediately. I was shocked and saddened by news of his passing as I know he was embarking on his dream of teaching in the school that was so dear to his own heart! You will be dearly missed by so many Joel! My sincere condolences. Donna Pigden - Posted by: Donna (Friend) on: Nov 26, 2013

• Our deepest sympathy to your family on the loss of your son and brother. Joel coached our son Andrew in volleyball at Lincoln and basketball at Westwood. Andrew also enjoyed Joel as his grade 9 English teacher. Andrew appreciated how Joel made the team work hard and pushed them but still made the game fun. Our daughter Hannah appreciated Joel's friendliness in the high school halls. As parents, we respected and admired the way Joel inspired the basketball team to develop a passion for the game. The team grew remarkably over the past season. The boys' love for the game and the team bond they enjoyed was due to Joel's excellent coaching. Our family will miss him. - Posted by: Scott, Marla, Hannah and Andrew Gillingham () on: Oct 27, 2013

• Our deepest condolences to the Hayes Family. Joel was our son's favorite teacher and coach, like a second father really. Joel's impact on him personally, as well igniting his passion for basketball, can't be measured. Our son surely will never forget him. Joel inspired his entire basketball team to be the best they could be. They'll cherish those memories. Rest In Peace. - Posted by: The Hrynyk Family (Friends of Family) on: Oct 09, 2013

• Such an unfathomable loss! Joel always had such a large presence. I'm so very sad for you Marilyn, Al and Justin. I'll go through my photos and send them back to Winnipeg for you. Wishing you much love...so hard to believe that he's no longer here. - Posted by: Gunny Tennese, Angie, Claire and Colin Woodbury () on: Oct 06, 2013

• Joel is very much missed as bass player for our worship team. Our most sincere condolences to Marilyn, Allan & Justin. - Posted by: Pat & Eldon Marchyshyn (Church Family) on: Oct 05, 2013

• Strange how someone so new to their career could be so brilliant at it. To this day I still can't believe he's left. I learned a lot from him, and always felt comfortable in his classroom. He was a great role model; clearly passionate about his job helping students learn. He made it clear that he cared about students and their success. I'm glad to have met him. Joel Hayes definitely made a positive difference in our lives as students and I know we won't forget him. Thanks, Mr. Hayes, for being such a great teacher, coach, and friend. You will be missed, old sport. - Posted by: Marielle McLeod (Student) on: Oct 04, 2013

• While I did not come to know Joel as well as I would have liked, our conversations at various University of Winnipeg Scholarship Dinners and Receptions, where he was honoured, along with comments from others, confirm my impression that Joel was an exceptional son, brother, student, teacher, and coach. My condolences to Alan, Marilyn, Justin, and family and friends. - Posted by: David Fitzpatrick (Friend) on: Oct 02, 2013

• Our daugther attended Lincoln and knew Joel from there and was so excited to find out that he was going to be her English teacher for her first year at Westwood. To let you know what kind of teacher he was, some kids even rearranged their schedule just so they could have him all year long. Just the simplest gesture like greeting the students by name when they entered the classroom made them feel special and happy to be in his class. His impact was huge and will live on his students. Cassie also loved Mrs. Hayes at Lincoln and wants her to know that she is thinking about her. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. - Posted by: The Stobbe Family () on: Oct 02, 2013

• You were one of the shining lights at Westwood - seeing you always made us smile. Rest in Peace. - Posted by: Denice and Joe Girdner (Westwood High School ) on: Oct 01, 2013

• You were one of the shining lights at Westwood - seeing you always made us smile. Rest in Peace. - Posted by: Denice and Joe Girdner (Westwood High School ) on: Oct 01, 2013

• Joel's footsteps may have been few, but they left a great impression. - Posted by: Val Moore (Sturgeon Heights Staff) on: Sep 30, 2013

• My condolences to the Hayes family. My prayers are with you. - Posted by: Luigi Bentrovato () on: Sep 30, 2013

• Having known Joel since birth, we have lots of fond memories. Perhaps one of the best is of Joel and our son Graeme sharing a wagon on our regular visits to the zoo. I remember Joel as an extremely easy-going, happy person – friends with everyone. Graeme is very thankful that despite being busy with university projects, he was able to connect with Joel one last time before joining us here in B.C. Our thoughts are with you Alan, Marilyn and Justin – we are praying for you and love you very much. “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 - Posted by: Ian, Adele, Graeme, Lane, Charlotte & Adam Smith (Friends of the family) on: Sep 29, 2013

• My condolences to the family, I knew him from faith bible camp. See you in heaven! - Posted by: Josh White-Ferrell (friend from faith bible camp) on: Sep 28, 2013

• Our hearts break for the family and friends left behind to grieve. Joel will always be remembered as a talented bass player at church and a well-respected friend to his peers. - Posted by: Tim and Kim Fletcher (Friends of the Family, Former Pastor) on: Sep 28, 2013

• I remember the day Joel was born. We were at church when Grandma Hayes came into the hall from the rear doors to proclaim "It's A Boy!" As the speaker paused, we all laughed and clapped, and the speaker offered prayer. Prayers are still being offered even today. - Posted by: Rob Plouffe (Friend) on: Sep 28, 2013

• I'll miss you Joel. You were an amazing person, friend, teammate, coach and teacher. My niece looked up to you as a coach, and the soccer field will never be the same without you. Thoughts and prayers go out to all the ones closest to you. Always on my mind, forever in my heart. - Posted by: Christa Buscemi (Friend/teammate) on: Sep 27, 2013

• We were so very sorry to hear about Joel. We remember him all the way back to Nursery school. He was so full of fun and energy. A son to be proud of. - Posted by: laurie,Ray, Colin and Ian Tann (friends) on: Sep 27, 2013

• Our children were taught and coached by Joel. He was a caring teacher, a passionate coach and a mentor - he left behind a legacy in all the kids who were involved with him. Our thoughts and condolences to his family. - Posted by: The Nowosad Family () on: Sep 27, 2013

• i knew joel for a couple of years. he was my favourite teacher because he was always respectful to me he would always say hi to me and i love mr hayes. rest in peac.e julia mallett. - Posted by: julia mallett (was my teacher at westwood colligiate and lincoln middle school) on: Sep 27, 2013

• My thoughts and condolences go out to everyone during this time. We all miss you so much. This is not good bye... its see you soon <3 - Posted by: Unknown (Student) on: Sep 27, 2013

• Marilyn, Alan and Justin we are sad to hear of the sudden passing of Joel. Please accept our sincere condolences during this very sad time for your family. Kyle recalls Joel's strong ambition to pursue an education degree of which you can be very proud of this great success. Cherish his memories and hold them close to your heart. - Posted by: Eleanor, Keith, Ashley and Kyle Pearce () on: Sep 27, 2013

• Our daughters attended Lincoln Middle School and Westwood Collegiate where they met Mr. Hayes. Heartfelt condolences from our family to yours. - Posted by: The Sawatzky Family () on: Sep 27, 2013

• I am deeply saddened by Joel's passing. He will always be in my memories from the year we worked together at Lincoln. My most heartfelt sympathy goes out to your family and those who loved Joel. He is at peace. ~ Kristie Hainsworth - Posted by: Kristie Hainsworth (Co Worker) on: Sep 27, 2013

• Joel, you will never know just how many people you profoundly impacted in your short life. It's not even possible to count them all. You will forever be missed, and never be forgotten. My thoughts are with your family and friends as they now try to figure out life without you. It just doesn't seem real. - Posted by: Alison Heal () on: Sep 27, 2013

• Words can't express our sorrow for your loss. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Merv and Cathy Cherewyk (friends) on: Sep 27, 2013

• We will miss you Joel. Rest in peace. - Posted by: The Stewart Family (Friends) on: Sep 27, 2013

• I am going to miss you Joel. Rest in peace my friend. - Posted by: Peter Sdrolias (Friend) on: Sep 27, 2013

• We will miss Joel and pray for your family. He was a good guy. Nick had reminded me that it was Joel who was at Faith Bible Camp as his councilor a few years back who prayed with him. Joel also babysat for us when he was in his teens. No words will ever be enough to say how sorry we are for the Hayes' family loss. - Posted by: McDowell Family (Friends of Family) on: Sep 27, 2013