David Nelson Hayden

David Nelson Hayden

October 13, 1963 – January 23, 2020

 We are sad to announce the unexpected passing of David of Sainte Anne, MB.

 David is survived by his father, Don and younger sisters Donna (Kip) and Deanna (Joey) as well as nieces Chantelle, Alexandria, Rhiannon and Cydonie, and one nephew, Sam along with great nephew Hayden and great niece Rylee. He also leaves behind uncle Bob (another Manitoba Hydro alum) and Lorraine, along with auntie Diane and uncle Bob and numerous cousins. He was predeceased by his mother Dorothy, his younger brother Dan, and his beloved Habba who was his constant companion until he crossed the rainbow bridge in the fall of 2018.

 David was the oldest son of Don and Dorothy, born in Winnipeg. Always described as a sweet and smart boy, he took the big brother title seriously and sometimes not (best alibi and protector). He brought all of us to the top of the steep garage roof at the farm and had us slide down the cedar shakes in the dead of winter, with a six foot snow drift to catch us until mom saw us from the back door. He would defend us when necessary because usually, he was the only one allowed to pick on us. His laughter was quick as his temper.

 He had a passion for animals, music and exercise. He had an extreme talent for guitar and was self-taught through determination and thousands of hours of practice. Friends of his sisters would sit outside his bedroom door and listen to him practice various chords from popular songs and helped shape his passion later on in life. He weathered more than one crush in this time, much to the amusement of mom and dad.

 Book smart, math smart and possessed an incredibly swift intelligence, he excelled at education and learning. David was a lifetime Manitoba Hydro employee, starting up north with them based out of Gillam at age 21 and he recently retired after giving them 33 years of service with the title of System Training Reliability Officer.   He branched out into consulting using his vast experience with hydro electricity, that eventually brought him to Happy Valley/Goose Bay, Labrador where he spent the last part of 2019 enjoying the incredible scenery, wildlife and allowing the prairie boy to soak in the East Coast.

 David battled many demons and sometimes that battle spilled into his surroundings but always knew how to find his place back to centre; through family, working, and prayer. Hopefully, he’s now rocking out on his favourite guitar, playing his favourite tunes, hanging out with his much-loved animals and is at peace.

 We’ll spend the rest of our lives saying good-bye…hope you hear us. Be nice to your brother.

 “There’s a feeling I get

When I look to the west

And my spirit is crying for leaving

In my thoughts I have seen

Rings of smoke through the trees

And the voices of those who stand looking”

Stairway to Heaven – Led Zeppelin

 Cremation has taken place by Gilbart Funeral Home in Selkirk. A celebration of life is planned for February 21st, 2:00 – 4:00 at Khartum Shrine Centre, 1155 Wilkes Avenue.

 In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Winnipeg Humane Society (or your local chapter) in David and Habba’s names. Family would also like to thank the Ste. Anne RCMP division for their kindness during this difficult time.

Condolences may be left on his tribute wall at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

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