It is with deep sadness, the family of John Albert Cook Hayes of Bloomfield, NB, husband of Janice (Hicks) Hayes announces his passing which occurred on March 15, 2014, at Ridgewood Veteran’s Wing, Saint John, NB. He was born on September 16, 1919 in Bloomfield, NB, the son of the late Arthur and Mabel (Perkins) Hayes. John was known as a modest farmer to some, "honest John" to others, and a warm, generous and loving friend, husband and father to those who had the privilege to walk a while beside him on the road of life. He served his country for five years during World War II as an engineer in the Royal Canadian Engineers, performing his duties in Canada, England, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. He was a long-time member of Hampton Royal Canadian Legion Branch #28. He returned to the family farm in Bloomfield after the war, where he supported and cared for his parents until their passing. Although John was well into his forties when he became a family man, it was a role he embraced wholeheartedly. The birth of "the twins" a decade later was one of the highlights of his life. John retired from dairy farming at the age of 75, after which he had the opportunity to travel to Alaska, western Canada, Australia, Newfoundland, and Europe, where he revisited many of the countries in which he had served as a soldier. John enjoyed good health and lived at home until his 94th year. Although his memory began to fade in recent years, John retained his humility, sense of humor, and loving nature until the end. John’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Violet Ford, his personal caregiver for the past five years, and to the staff at Ridgewood Veteran’s Wing and the Dr. V. A. Snow Centre, all of whom provided such excellent care and support over the past year. John will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by his wife of 43 years, Janice; two sons Brian Hayes of Calgary, AB and John Cook Hayes of Moncton, NB; two daughters Terri Hayes and her husband Franco Frosini of Calgary, AB and Jennifer Hayes-Starratt and her husband Mark Starratt of Calgary, AB. He was a proud and affectionate grandfather to Shane, Shannon, Brendon & Carmen Gill, Meryl McKenna, Jeremy and Meghan Hayes and Alex Starratt; great-granddaughter Kaitlyn Boudreau; daughter-in-law Lorette McKenna; special family members Bob Pade and Margaret Morris; several nieces, nephews and extended family. He was predeceased by his brother Edwin Hayes and his sister Jean Cooper. He is resting at Reid’s Funeral Home (506-832-5541), 1063 Main Street, Hampton, NB, with visiting on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8pm with a Legion Tribute at 6pm. A celebration of John’s life, conducted by, Rev. Rob Marsh will be held from Christ Church, Bloomfield at 11am on Wednesday, March 19, 2014. Interment will take place in Christ Church Cemetery, in the spring. Donations in memory of John, may be made to the Christ Church, Ridgewood Veterans Wing, Dr. V.A. Snow Centre or memorial of the donor’s choice. Donations and condolences to the family may be made through www.reidsfh.com