William “Bill” Hayes

1948 – 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of William “Bill” Hayes on May 20, 2026.

Bill was born on March 27, 1948, in Burnaby, BC, to William and Jenny Hayes. As a young boy, Bill and his parents relocated to Prince Albert, SK, where he attended Vincent Massey School and later Prince Albert Tech.

A devoted family man, Bill’s greatest pride was his seven children, whom he loved unconditionally. From his first marriage in 1968, he was blessed with Brad, Lisa, and Laura. In 1990, his family grew with his second marriage, welcoming Chad, Kelsey, Adam, and Hayley. Bill’s life was deeply enriched by his role as a father, and he poured endless love into his ever-growing family tree.

Bill dedicated his life to protecting and serving his community. He began his working career as a body man at Arcade Motors before finding his true calling with the Prince Albert Fire Department in 1969. Over a distinguished 26.5-year career, Bill worked his way up from the alarm room to the rank of Battalion Chief. Even in retirement, his desire to help others never waned; he gladly joined the Buckland Fire Department to assist wherever he was needed. Extending his commitment to public service, Bill also served as a dedicated councillor for the RM of Buckland, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, leadership, and community spirit.

Above all, Bill cherished the time he spent with the people he loved. He looked forward to family suppers and holiday meals, and valued his regular morning coffees with friends at A&W.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, William Hayes and Jenny Hayes (nee Birkeland).

He leaves behind a beautiful legacy in his seven children: Brad (Morna), Lisa, Laura (Nairn), Chad, Kelsey (Jeffrey), Adam (Morgan), and Hayley. He will be deeply missed by his 17 grandchildren: Linden, Danica, Amber, Jordan, Justin, Nicholas, Lucas, Seth, Liam, Linley, Payton, Troy, Ava, Kate, Rory, Quinton, and Haesley; as well as his 3 great-grandchildren, Coltan, Aurora, and Ariel.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Gray’s Funeral Chapel, 575 28^th Street West, Prince Albert, SK. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bill’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society ( https://cancer.ca/ ) and Saskatchewan Professional Fire Fighters Burn Fund ( https://www.spffpaburn.ca/ ).

Family and friends may leave online condolences at https://grays.ca

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Gray’s Funeral Chapel,
Lisa Bos-Atchison and Mary MacWilliams, Funeral Directors.    306-922-4729

• Date : 2026-05-20
• Location : Prince Albert, SK