Richard Hayter

I worked with Richard in promoting skilled trades as an option for students when I was a Principal in Ottawa. There was no one more passionate in promoting this cause. A truly great person and a gentleman. He will be missed.

Richard was our “right across the street” neighbour for many years and my whole family loved him. He could often be found working in his yard – tidying the property, rearranging the garden space, doing odd jobs here and there. He seemed to enjoy being busy but I also think that he just liked to be outside where he could see what was going on in our neighbourhood and could interact with those who walked by his house. He was definitely a talker but he always spoke thoughtfully, choosing his words with care so that they conveyed his intention. His gentle and kind manner came through in every conversation. He took joy in small things…seeing the pink peonies bloom in my front garden each spring and marvelling at their fragrance, and coming over every year at Halloween to check out my decorations and see what I had added to my spooky collection. (I will miss those Halloween visits.) Richard was a constant, generous presence in our lives and he left a positive and lasting impression on many people in our community. His lifelong impact was obviously felt much farther than in our Blackburn Hamlet neighbourhood but I will simply remember him as my wonderful neighbour who, upon first meeting me when I was a frazzled mom of two young children, invited us to cut through his backyard to shave a few minutes off our hurried trek to school every morning. That was Richard, in a nutshell. Richard, we love you and will miss you greatly. Yvonne, you and your family are in our prayers…and we’ve got your back. ❤️
-Patti, John, Sarah and Hannah Linn

A true gentleman advocating for unions and working people. Absolutely an honour to have met Richard and experience his passion. Richard will be missed by those who were fortunate enough to have crossed his path…

I first met Richard and Yvonne on the day that I had moved into MacKay House, in New Edinburgh. They were the first condo owners to move in just a few days earlier and I was the second. Richard and Yvonne graciously came over to welcome me as their new neighbour. From that moment onward, there was a great connection.

As time went on, I learned that Richard was well read, personable, helpful, and simply genuine throughout. Richard was indeed the consummate Gentleman, especially with his signature moustache.

In times of grief, we tend to say that we are sorry that your loved one has gone. In the case of Richard, I want to say how truly “grateful” we all are to have had him here with everyone, for all of this time.

With great respect and admiration,

Kevin Kattas (Toronto)

On behalf of all of us at IHSA, our sincere condolences to Richard’s family, both personal and professional. Richard’s advocacy and contributions to worker health and safety will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

On behalf of the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition (OAC), we would like to extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to Richard Hayter’s wife and family, and to all who knew him both professionally and personally. Richard’s integrity and commitment to fostering positive relationships was very meaningful to the OAC, by doing so, he was instrumental in opening opportunities and pathways into the trades for Indigenous people.

Richard’s warmth and collaboration as a trusted colleague and partner helped shaped lives and his work with the Indigenous people in Ottawa matters and will continue. We remember Richard as a good man, “Mino-inini” and as a friend, “Niijii” ( both in Anishinaabemowin) and are honored to have shared time and space with him. He will be greatly missed and remembered fondly.

I first met Richard when he was working at Welton Beauchamp Insurance. That was in my first years of starting the Members Assistance Program for the Unions across Ontario. Over the years Richard became a true advocate of the Program and would promote it every where he could. I have the utmost respect for Richard and he will be greatly missed not only by myself but everyone in the Union World that he represented with great passion. Rest in peace my friend.

Richard was always willing to increase his knowledge in the field of occupational health safety by attending every available program in order to help workers throughout the building trade unions in the Ottawa area.

We first met Richard in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. He and Yvonne were great neighbours in our small building with Richard always puttering to improve the surroundings. When we got to know him a little better, we learned that Richard was not only a very accomplished individual, but a kind and caring man, who never failed to offer a helping hand or a word of encouragement.
We will miss his cheerfulness and the stimulating conversations that always happened when he and Yvonne were around. Our thoughts go out to Yvonne and all of their extended family.

The year was 2000 and I had the pleasure of meeting Richard through the Ottawa Mayoral Campaign between Claudette Cain and Bob Chiarelli.

Richard ensured that regardless of who won the race that the people he represented within the trades industry would always been seen and valued by all political entities.

Always ready with a quick smile and hearty laugh and when he spoke (with that Radio Voice) people paid attention. A man of knowledge and empathy and a good sense of humor.

My sincere condolences to his family and friends. He will be surely missed.
Debborah

Yvonne, I am deeply saddened to hear about Richard’s passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. My thoughts are with you and your family as you navigate this loss. Please know that you’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Christine

Richard was so kind and thoughtful to me and I looked forward to seeing him every year at the service to mark ‘National Day of Mourning’ for those people at work who never came home. He held an umbrella over my pipes when I played the lament, and it was a very touching moment for me.
He will be missed by his many friends and family. I wish you all well at this difficult time.

Richard was a remarkable gentleman. He taught me about the trades and helped me understand how we could work together to improve the experience of workers with different learning styles. I will remember his kindness, generosity and energy.
Here are a few words from my colleagues who had met Richard:
This is extremely sad. Richard was such a kind soul, and I’m so glad we got the opportunity to connect with him so much over the last year.
This is very sad. Richard had an enviable level of energy and enthusiasm and was a bright light to many, many people, I’m sure.

Yvonne, you are in my thoughts at this sad time. May your memories of Richard and the wonderful years you shared together help sustain you now. Please accept my deepest sympathies.

A true gentleman. His relentless dedication and passion in the field of Health and Safety was second-to-none. He was a compassionate listener who remembered details that only someone who deeply cared would remember. My deepest sympathies to his extended family and friends during this difficult time.