Saturday, December 5, 2020
To the family of Mr. Hay,
I was saddened to read of the passing of Mr. Hay. Upon reading the obituary, I realized this was the same Mr. Hay who taught in Darlingford many long years ago when I was student there. Miss Ginter was my Grade 1 and 2 teacher ( for both years ). I am nearly 63, so I was one of the little ones she taught to read and write. I remember I loved her as a teacher. Being so young, I never gave a thought to what my teacher did outside of school or where they lived, or even their first names. I remember Mr. Hay teaching in the school, but I am not sure if it was when I was in Grade 1 and Grade 2 or if it was later. I do remember knowing that they had married. My parents would always invite the teachers out to our farm for a meal once a year. I am quite sure they were both there when I was so young and terribly excited to be having the teachers over for supper. My father was a school trustee. I mother was a teacher, but left when she was married. She returned to subbing when I was in about Grade 3 ( 1967 or so ). It is interesting to note Mr. Hay was born in Bissett. I ended up teaching there for 4 years from 1997 - 2001. I see that Ron is his brother. I believe Ron taught at Kirkcaldy Heights before I came to teach there. Ron substituted there, too. I knew him to see him, but I never talked to him about his surname. I wish I had made the connection and asked him about Mr. Hay. I was at Kirkcaldy Heights from 2004 until 2017 when I retired. I am a very active substitute teacher in BSD. Miss Ginter was definitely a positive influence on me wanting to be a teacher, along with Miss Dressler who taught me for Grades 3 and 4. Did Miss Ginter ( Mrs. Hay ) ever tell the story about the time a boy set his desk on fire? I am not sure if we were in Grade 1 or 2, but it was our classmate Glenn Clayton and he was playing with matches in his desk. I remember the kids from Grades 3 and 4 running into the room with jars of water to douse the flames. Exciting times! It sounds as though Mr. Hay lived a full, productive life and one of giving service. I am honoured to have had him and his wife pass through my life. Sincerely, Mary ( Cram ) Wardle
