William J. "Bill" Hay
Bill passed away suddenly at his residence, on Thursday, February 17th, 2011. Bill Hay, of Barrie, in his 58th year. Dear brother of Patricia Walker and Linda Doyle. Beloved uncle of Peter Doyle, Rebekka Walker, David Walker, Sarah Walker and Rachael Walker. Bill was a locomotive Engineer and worked for CN and VIA Rail for over 35 years.
Bill’s other passion was Masonic fraternity, which began on March 6, 1975, when he was Initiated in Corinthian Lodge #96. He is a Life Member of the Lodge. He arrived in the Barrie Valley of Scottish Rite via the Barrie Lodge of Perfection on October 27, 1981; Spry Chapter Rose Croix on November 14, 1981; and Barrie Consistory on November 28, 1981.
A railroader by profession, Bill was attracted to Manitoba Lodge in Cookstown, the ‘railroader’s lodge’, where many of his colleagues were members. He affiliated on January 8, 1985 and five years later he served as Master, and as Secretary in 1994 and 1995.
He served as Thrice Puissant Grand Master of Barrie Lodge of Perfection in 1992, and was appointed by M.W. Brother William T. Anderson as Grand Sword Bearer for 1998/1999.
Bill became a proud member of the Royal Order of Jesters, Toronto Court 83, in 1998.
In 2002, Bill Hay was Coroneted Honourary Inspector General of the Scottish Rite Supreme Council 33° in Saint John, New Brunswick.
Bill officially retired from Via Rail on February 28, 2009, and was feted with a surprise party attended by a large crowd at Tiff’s Restaurant and Bar, Barrie Ontario.
After 37 years “on the road building a nation”, it was “the end of the line”.
Two years later, on February 17, 2011, Bill succumbed to a heart attack. He was 58 years old.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday February 24th at 2pm, at the Barrie Masonic Temple, 99 Morrow Rd. Barrie Ontario, with a reception to follow.
If desired, in memoriam donations to the Scottish Rite Learning Centre for Children with Dyslexia, Barrie, Ontario or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family. Condolences may be forward throughww.steckleygooderham.com