Obituary of Donald James Hay

February 26, 1962 - Chicago, Illinois

October 28, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Donald James Hay, of Calgary, AB, on Monday, October 28, 2024, at the age of 62 years.

Donald is survived by his mother Nancy, sisters Pam (Dan) Brown and Penny (Grant) Fagerheim; nephews Billy (Katie) Brown, Michael (Stephanie) Brown, Brandon (Karli) Fagerheim, Brett (Courtney Kreway) Fagerheim; and niece Elin (Garrett) Hooker, great-nieces Maren and Cecilia Brown; and great-nephew and niece Nash and Romi Fagerheim.

He is also survived by aunt Judy Davis and uncle Jim Hay and many loving cousins.

Donald was predeceased by his aunt Donna Ludwig and by his father Bill just three days prior to his passing. We are all finding comfort that he and his dad are united again in spirit.

Donald brought joy to so many, his circle of friends was so large. When you met Donald, you would not forget him. His charm, laughter and smile were special and made everyone feel comfortable and loved. He had many medical challenges throughout his life, and his quiet strength and courage taught us life lessons. He loved cruising in the van on Saturdays doing chores with his dad and often picked up a winger or two to tag along, singing along to Willie Nelson or Charley Pride. His love of music was infectious and was his comfort.

He loved going "West" to the family cabin in Windermere and driving south to Phoenix, stopping at the odd truck stop and reminding Dad to not forget Nancy! He loved burgers, chicken fingers, jellybeans - especially the red and green ones, along with Pepsi. He loved the "SSSTT" sound of a new can of Pepsi being opened.

He was Uncle Donald to so many kids, nieces and nephews and his Donald Duck imitation was loved by all. He and his buddy Lanny continued to jokingly compare mustaches over the years. Donald made so many friends in the healthcare field, flirting with many nurses who cared for him throughout his life, calling each of them "gorgeous". Donna Sweet, one special nurse, was his guardian angel.

Donald had a huge amount of love and support from his family and friends, but it was his parents, Bill and Nancy, who were remarkable and created an environment for Donald to thrive to his full potential. Their father-son relationship was like no other, and his connection with his dad Bill, was truly admirable, and Nancy was an intuitive strength and unwavering support his entire life.

His extended family at his group home, including his roommates Jamie Law, Debbie Kamieniecki, Brian Cox and his many caregivers will miss him dearly, and we remember fondly his roommate, the late Patty Wilson.

A fun-loving Celebration of Donald's Life will be held at a later date.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Society for Persons with Disabilities (CSPD) (3410 Spruce Drive SW, Calgary, AB, T3C 3A4), phone: (403) 246-4450, website:  www.cspd.ca.

In living memory of Donald Hay, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.