Obituary of Austin Francis Hayes (Card of Thanks)

Card of Thanks

We, the family of the late Austin Hayes, extend our sincere appreciation to all who have been and who continue to be so caring and supportive during this difficult time.

We thank Fr. Edward Terry for his very meaningful and fitting funeral mass. To organist Denise Gibbons, soloist Bernadette Park, the members of Holy Redeemer and Corner Brook United choirs and others who joined them...what can we say? A simple "thank you" does not seem enough. Austin, a man who had so enjoyed singing with these friends at various times over the years, would have loved to have added his voice to theirs as they filled the Cathedral with glorious sound!

We thank Mindy and other staff at Fillatre's Funeral Home for their invaluable guidance and service provided with compassionate professionalism. It gave Carolyn great comfort knowing it was her longtime family friend, Baden Cunning, who escorted Austin to his final resting place just as he had done for her parents in previous years.

Last of all, but certainly not least, we thank our families and friends for their countless gestures of love and caring including the cards, messages, phone calls, visits, gifts of food and flowers and memorial donations to various causes including the cuddle beds that are so sadly missing in Corner Brook Long Term Care.
Austin knew we would not be alone.
 

Carolyn, Debbie and family

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Austin Francis Hayes

February 26, 1946 – March 9, 2026

It is with great sadness that the family of Austin Francis Hayes announce his passing on March 9, 2026 at the age of 80 years at Corner Brook Long Term Care, 2 South.

Left to mourn with loving memories are his beloved wife of 36 years, Carolyn (née House), daughter Debbie Pittman (Dan O’Connor), grandsons Samuel, Luke, Isaiah (Mackenzie Evans) and Joseph, sister Florence King and sister-in-law Rosalind House Cross (Ted Cross); along with many nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends.

Austin was predeceased by his parents Francis and Bridget (Loder) Hayes, siblings Terry, Rosemary and Fred, parents-in-law Harry and Mary House, brother-in-law John King and sister-in-law Mabyn Walker.

At various times throughout their 41 years together, Austin and Carolyn enjoyed spending time with family and friends, golfing, downhill skiing and camping. They also owned and operated a TREATS franchise for 10 of those years while at the same time Austin, a Red Seal Heavy Equipment Technician, continued to work at C.B.P.P. Ltd until his retirement in 2005. It was then that he and Carolyn finally had the time to join various local choirs. 

Proud to say he was born in Petries Crossing (later part of Curling). Austin will always be remembered for his special smile, his humour and his love of French fries! He was happy when he was speaking with anyone at anytime, anywhere. He loved to tell the story of the man he once met while in a lineup in Las Vagas. Upon learning he was a golfer Austin asked if he was any good. The reply was “I think so.” Weeks later Austin was amazed to see the same man on television. Only then did he realize he had been chatting with the professional golfer, Jordan Speith!!

But, perhaps Austin’s greatest legacy is his kindness and willingness to help others. Many years ago he read and kept a copy of the poem The Man in the Glass by Dale Wimbrow. Austin should be happy with “the man in the glass.”

The family would like to thank all who played a part in the last 6 1/2 months of Austin’s life including those in acute, palliative and long term care. Special thanks to Joan on 4A for always making him laugh and much gratitude to Paula Stagg N.P. for preparing Carolyn for what was to come so very quickly.

Honouring Austin’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will take place at Fillatre’s Funeral Home on St. Mark’s Avenue on Friday, March 20, 2026 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service will take place at Holy Redeemer Cathedral on Saturday, March 21 at 10:00 a.m. with Father Ed Terry officiating. Interment to follow at Mount Patricia Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Western Regional Hospital Foundation, the C.B.L.T.C. Cuddle Bed Project.