Obituary of Haldon Richard Haycock

HAYCOCK, Haldon "Hal" Richard It is with the heaviest of hearts that we mourn the passing of the greatest man in our lives. Haldon (Hal) Richard Haycock in his 75th year left us suddenly and peacefully in his sleep after losing his battle to Cancer. He is predeceased by his parents William Henry Haycock of Ernest Town, Ontario, and Grace Haycock Melching (nee Wagar) of Kaladar, Ontario. Survived by his older brother Bill Haycock (Anne) and his younger sister Nora Haycock. Hal was the loving husband (1 week shy of 50 years of marriage) to Wendy (nee Shipman) Haycock. He was her true north, her guidepost, her purest joy. Her Heart. Always caring (in every possible way), to make their life an even more wonderful experience. Together they raised 2 exceptional and beautiful children. Hal was a superbly amazing father to Jennifer Callaghan (Kevin), Smiths Falls, Ontario, and Jason Haycock (Noriko) New Westminster, B.C. He was Jennifer’s Hero, Kevin’s Mentor, Jason’s #1 Fan, and Noriko’s breath of fresh air. He never missed any of his children’s many sporting and schooling events. Hal was also a wonderfully amazing Grandfather to Luke, Justin and Jessica Callaghan, as well as Harusato and Akito Yano Haycock. His love for his family was undeniable. And his grandchildren were his entire world. He was truly their amazing ‘Poppy’. He never missed any of Luke, Justin or Jessica’s multitude of sporting events, or any activity related to school. He cherished the visits every Christmas with Harusato and Akito who travelled thousands of miles to feel his loving embrace. Face Time with them, sometimes daily, from B.C., usually turned into quite an entertaining evening. Supremely animated with much laughter and love. He had many nieces, and nephews, sisters-in law (Anne, Judy, Cheryl, Nancy) and brothers-in-law (Roy and Al) who also loved and admired him. His kind heart and sense of humour always shone through his beautiful blue eyes. He will be missed by many close friends and neighbours (old and new) who also felt the beauty and grace of his kindness. Hal proudly served in the Air Force from 1967 to 1995. When he retired he held the rank of Master Warrant Officer (or Sgt. Major). He served two tours in (West) Germany, one United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Egypt, postings to British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and a couple of tours in Ontario. His Service Medals include CD 1, CD2, and The Queen’s Jubilee Medal. During his 29 years of service to his country he never took a sick day. Following his military service he worked up until his ‘final’ retirement at age 65 (having worked for both the Corps de Commissionaires, and as a Security Guard for Garda. He grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, loving all sports. But hockey was his true passion. Boston became his team of choice, as Phil Esposito was the local NHL hometown superstar. But he also soon learned to love the magnificent Bobby Orr. So much so, that about a decade ago he went on line and found a Signature pair of Bobby Orr skates, and wore them proudly on his pond behind the house, skating and playing hockey with his family. Upon moving to Ottawa he became an avid SENS Fan – and had an ongoing ‘Battle of Ontario’ (NHL style) with his big bother Bill, an avid Leaf’s Fan. Their younger sister Nora knew well enough not to pick sides. Hal and Bill always made sure she was looked after. She was their baby sister. His hobbies included producing magnificent gardens, doing extensive internet research, being true hands on ‘Mr. Fix-It’, and perpetually keeping active and busy. Eager to expand his knowledge (through on-line videos and articles) he loved his many tools and gadgets, be it electronic or motor driven, indoors or out. A Special Thank You to all our family and friends who have supported us throughout this most difficult time. Your kind words and memories via e-mails, Texts, FaceBook and Messenger are helping to ease this excruciating pain. A celebration of his wonderful life will be planned for a future date. He taught us how to live a courageous and honourable life. He knew how to laugh at himself, and to sometimes be goofy, especially with his grandchildren. He will be forever missed by all those whose lives he has touched. Everyone who loved him is heartbroken. He may be gone but he will never be forgotten. We will always remember his great sense of humour and the wonderful way he made people feel welcome and cherished. He will always be in our thoughts and hold a special place in our hearts. A true gentle man. Missed more than these words can express. When he arrives in heaven, we hope they have a splendid buffet waiting for him - a big Pot of Coffee, with Pizza, Cashews, Tacos, Cheddar Cheese, Pepperoni, Schnitzel, Lasagna, and Cheezies. Washing it all down with a nice cold Heineken. Donations in Hal’s memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the Support Our Troops Foundation. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Lannin Funeral Home. Online condolences available at www.lannin.ca