Michael 'Mike' Hayes

After a hard fought battle with cancer, Mike Hayes of Orillia, ON, age 84, passed peacefully at home on the Black River, embraced by the love of his family on Friday, August 7th, 2026. Devoted husband to the late Elizabeth “Betty” Hayes of Orillia, ON. Father to Christopher, Biz and Andrew Hayes. Beloved Poppa to his grandchildren Mallarie, Nakita, Heidi, Michael, Eiley, Levon and his great grandson Jamie. Born to the late Jo Hayes. Proud older brother to Paul, Peter and Pam and brother-in-law to Barb, Jim, Myrna and Dorothy. Mike will be missed by his many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Mike spent his life dedicated to service: first with an exemplary 30-year career with the Ontario Provincial Police, retiring as a Detective Staff Sergeant in 1993, but most importantly, to his family. Mike was an active member of the Orillia Y’s Men, forming many long-lasting and meaningful friendships that carried him through his life. Mike excelled in sport. Football, Y’s Men’s hockey, tennis, curling, baseball and especially golf were a source of happiness for Mike. Golf at Mike’s home courses and tournaments, like the one in Parry Sound, were a highlight of his summers and the countless rounds he played in Myrtle Beach and Florida, a highlight of his snowbird winters. When Mike wasn’t spending time outdoors on a golf course or tending his gardens and lawn, he could be found with friends out on the water fishing or duck hunting. The Anson Hunt Club was home to some of Mike’s most cherished memories. Before Mike and Betty became snowbirds, cold winters on Lake Simcoe were made bearable by many hours fishing in his ice hut. Apart from his homes on Lake Simcoe, New Brailey Line, and the Black River, Mike felt most at peace at the Dunlop cottage – speaking fondly of all of the time and memories shared there right until the end.

For the last decades of Mike and Betty’s lives, they traded the cold Ontario winters for the warmth and sun of Myrtle Beach and then found their “Florida Cottage” at Maple Leaf Estates in Port Charlotte. It wasn’t just the temperatures that kept them warm, but the friends and community they found there. Golf, happy hours, dances, dinner parties and being with friends and family brought Mike such joy through his years in Florida.

Mike cherished his friendships: from his lifelong and oldest friend Jack Reid, to his most recent friendships on the Black River and everyone in between - he will be missed by all.

Mike and our family want to acknowledge and thank Dr. Cheryl Kemsley and the wonderful, hardworking nurses and staff at O.S.M.H. who made his many stays over the last 4 months as pleasant as possible.

Mike’s profession, interests and hobbies meant a lot to him, but what he valued most was a simple thing - sitting around the dinner table with family and friends. Wherever and whoever was sitting around it, the room was always filled with love and laughter, especially when the girls outnumbered the guys (as always).

As per Mike’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a small Celebration of Life for close family and friends will be held in September.