It is with profound sadness to announce the passing of Gregory John Hay, affectionately known as “Greg” or even as "John Boy." He passed away February 19, 2024, with his loving partner, Shelley McQuat (nee Prochnicki), by his side at his beloved Eva Lake camp. Born October 10, 1964, in Fort William, Ontario to Gordon & Yvonne Hay, Greg was known for his generous spirit and infectious love for the outdoors.
Predeceased by his parents, Greg’s legacy is carried on by his three sons, Robert (Kaitlin), Jordan (Jerrica), Cody (Alyssa), and two stepdaughters, Jessica McQuat (Jordan) and Tori Poulter (Adam), adored grandchildren Evan, Abigail, Russell, and Charlie. He will be greatly missed by his brother Doug (Sandra), nephews Stephen (Ainslee) and Arthur (Chelsey), and his uncle Paul Hay (Faye). His absence will also be felt by a wide circle of family, friends, and neighbours.
Greg’s childhood was spent with his parents Gordon and Yvonne and brother Doug on or close by the camp at Eva Lake. They spent endless hours, boating, fishing, skiing, flying, and building a break wall and rock walls. After graduating from high school, Greg, pursued his trade as a power engineer, millwright, and crane operator for Resolute Forest Products for 40 years until he recently retired in April. He was a jack-of-all-trades and he enjoyed lending a helping hand to his children, friends, and neighbours with almost anything they needed. Greg enjoyed spending his time hunting and fishing with his three sons as well as Andy, Kenny, Brent, Bob, and many other family members and close friends. When he wasn’t hunting, you could find him fulfilling his need for speed through snowmobiling, quadding, and boating. His love for Eva Lake remained constant throughout his life. Family and friends were always welcome there, and he enjoyed spending many hours in their company at the beach, boating on the lake, or “hanging out” in the garage.
An inurnment will be held at Mountain View Cemetery Friday, March 1st at 11:00 a.m. A celebration to honour Greg’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel at 21 N. Court Street, with reception to follow. Greg Hay will be remembered as a loving partner, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His warmth and kindness and the joy he brought to every gathering will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation- Cancer Care. The family would like to thank the many medical professionals who helped Greg through his illness, with special thanks to Dr. Storkson, Dr. Ramchander, Dr. Chan, Dr. Mozzon, Dr.Sellick and 1A. A heartfelt thank you also goes out to Judy and Lou Pedron, Bob Orr, Kelly Krupa, the Basalyga family, also friends and family that provided support to Greg and the family during this difficult journey.
"WFO baby!!"
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