Obituary of Garnet Raymond Hay

On November 12, 2025, from the DECH, the family of Garnet Hay wishes to announce his passing from this world to be with his Lord and family in heaven. He was born to the late Hazel Aletha (Gullison) and Donald Hay in Williamsburg on September 9, 1935.

Garnet lived a full and active life. As part-owner of Donald Hay & Sons Ltd. sawmill, he dedicated much of his time to his work, but he also found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved curling, watching hockey and the Blue Jays, playing cards, camping, and hunting with his many close friends. Some of his happiest moments were spent at his camp, surrounded by family and watching his grandchildren grow.

Alongside running the sawmill, Garnet helped keep small businesses alive in his community. He operated a shingle mill, logging and trucking operations, and produced firewood. Always willing to lend a hand, he was known for helping neighbors whenever he could.

Garnet also developed a passion for making maple syrup, a craft he first honed with his friends Sid and Shirley in the Glenn. Later, he continued syrup production on Mill Brook with Danny Reid—where the occasional “maple candy accident” became a sweet memory. His family proudly carries on this tradition today.

A good-natured prankster, Garnet especially loved teasing his sister Marie. In his later years, his greatest pride and joy became his tractor, which he used for snow plowing and helping neighbors—just one more way he showed his generous spirit.

Garnet is survived by wife, Shirley Hay; daughters, Velvet Hay (Robert Humble), and Darlene Hawkes (Steven); sister Alice Kirkpatrick; grandchildren, Johnathan (the late Amanda), Jamie, Jacob, Matthew (Kourtney), Sophia, Isabella "Bella", Michael (Kristen) Hawkes and Brittany (Kevin) Hawkes; great grandchildren, Victoria, Ethan, and Tristen Humble; sister-in-law, Joan Hay; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Garnet was predeceased by his parents, Hazel & Donald Hay; sisters, Marie MacKay (Glen), and Connie O'Leary (Mike); brothers, Ferdinand Hay (Velma), and Owen Hay; in-laws: Ina & Mac MacLaggan; and brother-in-law, Tom Kirkpatrick.

Visitation will take place at Cross Creek Baptist Church, 1280 Route 107, Cross Creek on Monday, November 17, 2025, from 2 - 3 PM with the Funeral Service following at 3 pm with Rev. Gordon Mowry officiating.  A reception will be held after the Funeral Service. Interment will take place in Williamsburg Cemetery, Williamsburg following the reception. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to Williamsburg Cemetery, or the Stanley Minor Hockey Association. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com