September 11, 2018
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gordon Gerald Hayes. Gord died peacefully on September 11th in Peace Arch Hospice at the age of 88.
Gord was born in Montreal in 1930 to Caroline Kennedy and David Hayes. He had a hard childhood as he was the youngest of 11 children and his father died when was 3 years of age. His Mother raised the children on her own until her passing when Gord was 16. He had to grow up fast, spending a lot of time on the streets where he acquired his 'Street Smarts' and this was the basis of his rich, interesting and historical story-telling.
As a young man he played both baseball and hockey and loved these sports to his last day. He went on to drive taxi for 18 years in Montreal before packing his car and driving out west to Vancouver in 1963. After living in Vancouver for a short while he moved to Richmond. There, he utilized his cooking talents and his love for hockey and ran the concession and Sports Shop at the Gulf of Georgia in Richmond. He also operated the General Store on Sea Island. Many a child received free food, drinks and equipment from Gord. Gord supported the local Richmond Rebels Jr. Hockey Team in the early 70's, along with many more, and was known to hold fundraisers to raise money for hockey equipment. For the past 17 years, Gord was a staunch supporter of the Richmond Sockeyes & Alumni and you could see him regularly at their games and functions.
In the late 70's he moved to Crescent Beach and operated the Crescent Beach General Market on Beecher Street. His 25 cent 'candy grab bags' were a hit with all of the local children. He was known to keep his store open every day of the year and would often hold Christmas Suppers in the store for those in the community who had nowhere to go. Gord was generous to a fault. In 1985 he met his future wife Shirley and they were married in 1987- a first marriage for both. Shirley passed in 2014 and Gord lived the rest of his life in Crescent Beach, visiting restaurants daily and enjoying conversations with anyone who would challenge his words. Gord leaves behind many close friends/family who will treasure his friendship and loyalty.
We would like to thank all of Gord's friends who helped with his care- giving near the end... you made the end of his journey easier. Special thanks to the Peace Arch Hospice and their staff along with the Volunteers from the Peace Arch Hospice Society. Their unwavering compassion and caring was instrumental to his peaceful end.
A service will be held on Tuesday, October 2nd at 11am at Good Shepherd Church, 2250 - 150th Street, South Surrey (viewing at 10:30) with a reception afterwards at Victory Memorial Park Funeral Centre, 14831 - 28th Avenue, South Surrey. No cards or flowers please, but if you like, donations to the Peace Arch Hospice Society, 15435 -16a Avenue, South Surrey, BC V4A 1T2 in Gord's name would be greatly appreciated. 
Victory Memorial Park Funeral Centre