Warren Philip Hayes

We are deeply saddened by the passing of husband, father, grandfather and friend, Warren Hayes, who died peacefully on January 18th, 2023 in Sanford, Florida. He was 75. Born in Port Credit, Ontario, Warren was a true renaissance man with many passions throughout his life; race car driver, charter fishing entrepreneur, antique dealer, hockey player, historian, model builder, computer crasher, story teller and professional tinkerer. But none were as constant or deep as his love for aviation, which started at the age of 17 with his first job loading bags at a small airport near Toronto. If it weren’t for his sub-par vision, he would’ve been a pilot for sure. But instead, he had to stay on the ground and enjoyed a long and successful career as an air traffic controller, retiring as a shift manager and military co-ordinator at Toronto Area Control Centre, Pearson International Airport. When not looking at the sky, he could be found repairing anything he could get his hands on (he sometimes caused the need for that repair); dragsters, boats, corvettes, remote control planes, tractors, bikes, furniture or anything else that looked like an interesting project or otherwise worth saving. Like any good Canadian, his passion for hockey was hard-wired from the beginning, and his career as ‘Hazzee’ the goaltender lasted past his 70th birthday, often staring down slap shots delivered from those generations younger than he was. He could talk to anyone, and usually did, often making fast friends on whatever dock, airfield, antique show, horse farm, auction, or restaurant he found himself. And there was no situation, no matter how ominous, that couldn’t be lightened by his sense of humor. He was occasionally absent-minded and accident prone, but in the most endearing of ways, often sporting some kind of knick or cut as evidence that he was focused on more important things. Kindred spirits and lifelong partners, Warren married Barbara Bryan in 1991. She was by his side until the end, doing what they loved, enjoying the sun and warmth of a Florida winter on their boat, Midnight Sun Too. He had a kind and soft spirit and was a teacher, mentor, friend and confidant to family and friends near and far. We will miss his wit, his gentle way, and his sometimes curmudgeonly perspective, which was always good for a laugh (his and ours). He wouldn’t have wanted us to mourn long, though. Instead, he’d likely tell us to find some palm trees, turn on a little Jimmy Buffett, and toast a few margaritas for him. Aviation metaphors often found their way into the counsel he’d give, and his guidance for us during this heartbreaking time would likely be no different; “that part of the runway is behind you now” he’d probably say. Well, Dad, Grampa, Beloved, this runway is behind you now, too. We wish we had more time together but understand you were always meant to fly. The family requests that those who wish to express sympathy consider making a donation to the American Diabetes Association.

Warren Philip Hayes

March 28, 1947 - January 18, 2023