Obituary of Philip Haydu

September 29, 1936 - Edgerton, Alberta

February 24, 2022 – Edmonton, Alberta

Phil Haydu, cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away on Thursday, February 24, 2022, at the age of 85.

Phil was born on September 29, 1936, in Edgerton, AB, and married the love of his life Doreen on June 12, 1959. Phil and Doreen moved to Edmonton in 1960 and later settled in Calgary, AB, where they lived for the next 50 years, eventually moving back to Edmonton, AB. Phil and Doreen spent many summers in Sundre, AB, with their lifelong friends from Tall Timber.

Phil had a variety of jobs in his early years, from bartending in Edmonton to foreman at the Steel Mill in Calgary. Through hard work and perseverance, Phil went out on his own and started Haydu’s Excavating, and finally retired at age 65.

In their younger years, Phil and Doreen would spend winters curling and travelling to bonspiels and taking many a ski trip with friends and family. Golfing and bridge were the activities of interest for many winters in Arizona and Palm Springs. Summer brought fun and games golfing with family and friends at the Sundre Golf Club.

Phil was extremely proud of his children and their spouses, as well as his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Family gatherings were one of his greatest joys and it was important for him to make sure he attended every hockey game and tournament of his son and grandsons; dance recitals and music festivals of his daughters; and playing golf with all the kids as many times as he could.

Phil was a born leader. He taught us all to work hard, be kind, decent and honest, and to go and live a productive, fulfilling life. His quick wit and sense of humour will always be cherished, and he will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

Phil will be lovingly remembered by his Wife of 63 years, Doreen Haydu (Burton) and four wonderful children - Tammy Gendur (John), Philip Tracy Haydu (Carol), Teresa Ferguson (John), Sandy Haydu and adopted granddaughter, Brooke Bell. Very special to him were his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Dan Gendur (Chantelle and daughter Ivy), Sierra Haydu, Philip Joseph Haydu, Jeffrey Ferguson (Katie) and great granddaughter Molly, Jonathan Ferguson (Shanta) and great grandson’s Cooper and Buchanan, Jennifer Bodnar (Andrew), John Bodnar Jr and Jordan Bodnar (Marissa).  Very special also to him were his grandpup’s – FredE, AnneE, GraceE, SassE, MissE, Ind-E and Kona and three special kitties, CharlE, CoalE and ScottE. Phil was predeceased by special son-in-law, Neil Lemieux (Sandy Haydu).

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to our dear friends, Deb Fedorak and Jack Geldart; Tyler Nault; and Edmonton First Responders. The family would like to express our thanks to the staff at McInnis & Holloway.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes can be made in Phil’s name to a charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Phil’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB), on Sunday, March 6, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Phil Haydu, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.