Raymond Ray Richard Hayes

Raymond Richard Hayes was blessed with an abundance of leadership qualities. It would be accurate to say that he was an outstanding luminary and that his natural abilities served him well. He knew with certainty how he wanted to set priorities in all aspects of his life. He struck those who knew him as the kind of person who awoke in the morning with a clear sense of exactly what he expected from his day and how to set about accomplishing those goals. Ray was someone who definitely liked order and was most comfortable with an organized and structured lifestyle. When this climate was absent, he would set about to immediately create it. He believed that those around him expected nothing less and so he did his best to fulfill those expectations.

      It is said that some people develop certain traits over the course of their lives, but for Ray, leadership was a quality that he was most likely inborn. On February 2, 1946, he first greeted the world in Toronto, Ontario. His parents' names were Basil and Pearl Hayes. Growing up was a time that made for a number of wonderful memories. Ray was brought up to be reasonable in his actions and was taught to use his intellect wisely. He was an honest and straightforward child, traits that reinforced his self-confidence. Even at a young age, Ray was credited with having a positive influence on those around him.

      The positive atmosphere that Ray generated regularly spread over his family. He was raised with 7 siblings: five brothers, Doug, Greg, Brian, Danny and Wayne, and two sisters, Marlene and Heather. Ray served as a catalyst for good within the family. He often found himself in the role of providing fair solutions to the sibling disputes which would sometimes pop up. In every family activity, he was able to demonstrate an uncanny ability at building compromise through an ability to manage most any type of situation. Ray was also close to other relatives.

      Ray had a clear vision of what he sought in a relationship and worked hard to achieve it. This is exactly what he did with Brenda Lorraine Olley.

       They exchanged wedding vows on June 3, 1972, at the Knights of Columbus.

       Brenda or "Babe" was a significant part of his life. So much so that it wasn’t necessary for Ray to be overly sentimental or expressive about it for others to be aware of their mutual devotion. His secret to success was that he always kept the lines of communication open in the marriage and applied the important skill of being a good listener.

       As a couple, Ray and Brenda developed and maintained some strong friendships over the years.

       Ray's ability to motivate, direct and organize others made him a valuable asset to the various organizations in which he contributed during his lifetime. He was one who could be counted on to work hard to implement goals and required little to begin work on a specific task. Once a project was begun, Ray had a definite methodology for seeing it through to completion. When he became active in community affairs, he did so in the same determined and forthright manner that he applied to other aspects of his life.

      Family was very important to Ray, he was a great inspiration to his entire family. Ray had four children, Corinne, Lee, Adam and Katie. Though he always tried to offer good counsel to his children, he didn’t always overdo it. And when the children succeeded, Ray was filled with pride and joy. One thing was for sure, Ray tried hard to raise his children in a nurturing environment.

     He was able to keep order by using the same efficient and straightforward methods with the family as he did with all of his tasks. He rarely made a scene when it came to discipline. Instead, he was subtle and patient in his dealings when teaching right from wrong.

       Travelling, especially vacations, was another way for Ray to apply his exceptional leadership and organizational skills. He liked exploring different places but also enjoyed designing and scheduling the trips in advance. He had real talent for developing the perfect itineraries.

       Later on, Ray was also blessed with 9 grandchildren, Jacob, Brooklyn, Addison, Caleb, Marion, Connor, Averie, Cameron, and Owen...plus two on the way!

      At work Ray was viewed as a natural leader. He could marshall all of the available resources, including personnel and materials, in order to meet virtually any objective. He was great at developing strategies and seemed able to make maximum progress with little wasted effort. Ray was also adept at uncovering new and more efficient ways of getting things done. He was able to establish and achieve objectives through long range planning and was always able to keep the big picture clearly in sight. Although he might have been described by some as an overachiever, he was without question a dedicated and diligent professional. Ray’s primary occupation could be described as working as a Martial Arts Instructor. He also was an accomplished chef.

       There were occasions in Ray's life where he would find himself involved in a cause or leading an organizational event where his drive to complete the project or meet the established goal was the most important thing for him. At times it could even rival his concern for the philosophy behind it. It was this kind of commitment and drive that earned him praise and honours throughout his life. Work-related organizations were also another place where Ray could shine.

      Not only did Ray find pleasure in pursuing his various hobbies, he also enjoyed the discovery and research involved in learning about them. His skill at problem-solving had a positive influence on these activities as well. Some of his favourite pastimes were poetry, writing and painting.

       No matter what the activity was, Ray had the ability to motivate others. This talent influenced his participation in sports, too. He sought out the possibilities in a competitive situation, and he stayed cool and calm under pressure. He relished the action and energy associated with sports. Martial arts as well as hockey. He also enjoyed following his favorite teams and events whenever he got the opportunity.

      Ray lived his life guided by a well-defined set of beliefs. His faith and religion were the foundation of those beliefs. Ray was a devout Roman Catholic. Ray was also a Knight of Columbus- 4th Degree.

      Ray Hayes left us on June 15, 2011. He passed away at his home in Whitby, surrounded by his family. He was 65. The cause of death was brain cancer. He is survived by his wife and his children. Services were handled by Oshawa Funeral Home. Ray was laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery.

      Raymond Richard Hayes knew what he wanted from life and never hesitated in going after it. He could be characterized as a driven individual, someone who understood the importance of achievement. "Ray of Sunshine" was decisive and outspoken at times, but he was also positive and upbeat. He was a leader, both intentionally and sometimes by default. If he saw that something needed to be done, he was always ready to step up and organize, implement and actualize a plan.

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Raymond Richard Hayes

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Raymond Hayes announce his passing at the age of 65. Raymond passed peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family after a courageous and valiant battle with brain cancer on Wednesday, June 15th 2011. Loving Husband and best friend of 39 years to his "Babe", Brenda. Dear sweet Father of Corinne (Gord), Lee (Mary), Adam (Cheri-Lynn) and Katie (Brian). Cherished Pappy who will be sorely missed by his adored grandchildren, Jacob, Brooklyn, Addison, Caleb, Connor, Averie, Cameron, Owen and two on the way and predeceased by his grand-daughter, Marion. Fondly remembered by his parents Pearl and Basil (deceased) and loving brother to Greg, Brian, Marlene, Danny, Wayne, Heather, Doug (deceased) and all of their families. Raymond will be missed by his many nieces and nephews, all of his many friends, colleagues and students. Soke Raymond Hayes was the founder of Shin Jitsu No Kempo and trained in the martial arts for over 40 years. Soke was a great friend, mentor and teacher (Sensei) to all who had the privilege to enter his Dojo that he opened in 1982 in downtown Whitby. Raymond was dedicated and committed to his community and demonstrated this through his tireless efforts with the less fortunate and was a strong supporter of St. Vincent De Paul. Raymond was a faithful parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church and long time member of the Knight's of Columbus- 4th degree. Raymond was a true warrior in all aspects of life. He was a Soke (10th degree black belt) in the martial arts but always shared his knowledge through humility by example. He was the proud author of his first book "True Kempo-Pine Tree Reflection, the warrior within". Raymond's passions were his family, his martial arts and his commitment to God's work within the Knight's of Columbus. A True Warrior in life and throughout his battle he fought with determination and grace, never to complain or look for sympathy from others and always putting others needs before his. He will always be our special "Ray of Sunshine". Special thanks to St. Elizabeth's PSW Leanne for her dedicated and compassionate care for Raymond and also the rest of the Partner's in Community Nursing team that helped provide his care. Friends may call at OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) for visitation on Sunday, June 19th from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. Prayers at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST CHURCH (903 Giffard St., Whitby) on Monday, June 20th at 11:00 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Donations gratefully accepted for the St. Vincent de Paul Society.