Obituary of William Charles Hay

December 9, 1935 – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

October 25, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

With great sadness we advise of the passing of William (Bill) Hay on Friday, October 25, 2024. Bill had a huge love of life, his wife Nancy of 67 years and their family, and the many friends he enjoyed seeing regularly.

Bill is survived by and will be deeply missed by his loving wife Nancy and their daughters Pam (Dan) Brown, Penny (Grant) Fagerheim and son Donald, along with their five grandchildren; Bill (Katie) Brown, Elin (Garrett) Hooker, Michael (Stephanie) Brown, Brandon (Karli) Fagerheim and Brett (Courtney Kreway) Fagerheim. Their three great-grandchildren, Maren Brown, Nash and Romi Fagerheim brought much joy and happiness to Bill and Nancy. Bill was predeceased by his father and mother Charles and Florence "String" Hay, and sister Donna Ludwig and is survived by his brother Jim Hay along with his four children and their families and Donna Ludwig's daughter.

Bill was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and played his junior hockey with the Regina Pats after which he moved on to further his education at Colorado College where he obtained his Bachelor of Geology degree while playing hockey for the Colorado College Tigers, winning the NCAA Championship in 1957. Bill "Red" Hay went on to play his 8 year professional career for the Chicago Blackhawks, becoming the first NCAA college graduate to play in the NHL. Bill won the Calder Memorial Trophy in 1960 and was an integral part of the Blackhawks' Stanley Cup Championship team in 1961. Bill retired from playing hockey in 1967 to join "Doc", BJ and Don Seaman in the oil and gas industry where he also left his legacy in the business community, including holding the position of President and CEO of the Calgary Flames from 1991-1995. Bill also held the position of President and Chief Operating Officer of Hockey Canada where he was instrumental in the merger of Hockey Canada and the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association in 1998. He moved on to become the Chairman and CEO of the Board of Directors of the Hockey Hall of Fame for 15 years from 1998 to 2013. Bill's many accomplishments include being inducted into 5 separate Hockey and Sports Halls of Fame and one Oil Patch Hall of Fame as well as earning the prestigious Order of Hockey in Canada award in 2021.

Bill was a devoted husband to his wife Nancy, a caring and protective father to his daughters Pam and Penny, and his special needs son Donald that Bill affectionately referred to as his wingman. As a result of Donald's disabilities the Hay family has been very engaged in community programs in support of special needs children. Bill was not only an elite hockey player but also acted as a mentor to many, a dedicated friend, and had a passion for looking out for those less fortunate. The Hay family shared numerous laughs at the family cabin in Windermere, British Columbia over sixty years; swimming, boating, and entertaining with lake friends. Bill and Nancy also spent many enjoyable years at their winter home in Scottsdale, Arizona. Christmas was always a special time of year for Bill as he donned his Santa suit and took to the road with his helper Donald along with the other elves, bringing cheer and chuckles to kids and adults alike.

Bill and Nancy's family would like to thank the caregivers for Bill over the past 10 months at the Glenmore Carewest and at Aspira in Brittania. As well, big thanks to friends and family that visited Bill during that time as he loved every minute with his visitors.

Celebration of Life services will be held at the Calgary Golf and Country Club (919-50th Avenue SW) on Thursday, November 21 at 2:00 pm. Reception to follow. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Bill Hay's Celebration of Life service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. No denim, carpool if possible.

We kindly ask that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations for William Hay be made directly to Brain Health at the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation. To make a gift online, please visit www.childrenshospital.ab.ca. Gifts can also be mailed to the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, AB T3B 6A8 or Telephone: (403) 955-8818.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Bill’s family here.

In living memory of Bill 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.

Click Here to Sign the Digital Guest Book and Watch Bill's Celebration of Life