Obituary of Jeffrey Hjortur Lailey

October 29, 1972 - Winnipeg, Manitoba

December 19, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

In loving memory of Jeffrey Lailey, a dedicated and loving husband, father, principal, passionate hockey coach, and an avid sports enthusiast. Jeff’s unwavering commitment to his family, education, and athletics transformed the lives of many.

Jeff passed away suddenly on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at the age of 51 years, doing what he loved, playing hockey. Jeff leaves behind his wife of 23 years, Laureen Lailey, and his sons, Branden and Cameron. He was an exceptional husband and father.

Besides his wife and children, Jeff is survived by his mother Hanna Lailey of Winnipeg, MB; in-laws, Jean Miller of Calgary, and Victor and Toon Cozens of Binscarth, MB; his aunt Kathie of Seattle, WA, and her children, Patrick (wife Sharon, children, Lauren, Cameron, and Grayson), Kim (children Andrew, Olivia, and Evan), Meighan (husband Brandon, children, Tucker and Charlotte), and Katie. Jeff was predeceased by his father Kenneth and his uncle Jim.

Jeff was born in Winnipeg, where he grew up playing hockey for the River Heights Cardinals and Assiniboine Park Rangers and spending countless hours at Elmhurst Golf and Country Club. His friends will remember Jeff for his boundless energy, and his wink and mischievous smile. 

Jeff was a dedicated educator with the Calgary Board of Education for the last 25 years, and most recently was the Principal of Buchanan Elementary School. Jeff fostered a nurturing environment for both academic and athletic, and artistic achievements. A seasoned leader in the classroom and school, he brought inspiration, humour, encouragement, and success to countless students and staff over the years.

His leadership extended beyond the school walls, leaving a lasting impact on the community. Jeff's coaching prowess on the hockey rink was matched only by his ability to instill discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship in his players.

A beacon of positivity, Jeff's infectious enthusiasm for sports extended to all facets of his life. Whether cheering on his favorite teams, coaching his own children in all sports, or organizing community events, he radiated a love for competition and camaraderie.

Jeff leaves behind a legacy of kindness, excellence, and a profound dedication to the development of young minds and aspiring athletes. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, students, colleagues, and the countless lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey. May his memory continue to inspire us all to pursue our passions with the same fervor and joy that defined his remarkable life.

A Celebration of Jeffrey’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Friday, January 5, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Jeffrey’s family here. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Lailey’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Jeffrey’s family here.

A Go Fund Me has been set up to aid in supporting Jeff’s family during this difficult time. If you wish to donate, please go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/jeff-lailey. The funds raised will go directly to the family, helping them address the immediate emotional and financial stress of losing a loved one.

If friends so desire, donations in memory of Jeffrey’s passion for students and athletics, may be made directly to KidSport Canada, 145 Pacific Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2Z6, Telephone: 587-434-5428, www.kidsportcanada.ca.

In living memory of Jeffrey Lailey, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.  

Click here to view Jeffrey Lailey's Memorial Card

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