William Austin "Bill" Hayes

Hayes, William Austin “Bill” – 84, of Nictaux, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at home. Born in Middleton, he was a son of the late Guilford and Thelma (Firth) Hayes. For the past 50 years, Bill and Donna have made Nictaux their home. In his younger years, Bill was a Merchant Marine and in the Royal Canadian Navy. He did seaman’s work on the Mactaquac Dam Project along with many others. Following his time in the Navy, Bill worked at Bruce MacKenzie’s Dairy and later, with Bruce Motor’s shuttling cars. Bill was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch No.1, Middleton where he loved to play a good game of darts. Cribbage and cards were often played and played well with Bill. He loved being a grandfather and enjoyed taking his grandchildren for ice cream at Averys every chance he had. Bill really loved tinkering. Surviving is his loving wife of 59 years, Donna (Sabean); sons, David (Kirsten), St. Albert, AB; Greg, Chilliwack, BC; Jason (Shannon), Chilliwack, BC; Keith (Sonya), Nictaux; daughters, Carla (Andrew), Nictaux; Danielle (Michael), Nictaux; grandchildren, Austyn, Liam, Kassidy (Ryan) Tod, Calgary, AB; Anika, Bridgette, Jaiden, Carson, Jesse, Dylan, Jenna, Amy; two great grandchildren; sister, Gladys Batchelor, Kentville; brother, James (Giselle), South Nictaux. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Guilford Jr. and brother-in-law, Robert. Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 4, 2026 in Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, 1-855-825-3448. Rev. Dr. Danny Smith officiating. A reception will follow the service. Interment in Nictaux Cemetery. Donations in memory of Bill may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Nictaux Cemetery. Online guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com