Christopher Phillip Hoyes

Christopher Phillip Hoyes was born in Moose Jaw, SK on December 19th, 1947, to Ruth and Jim Hoyes.  On Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024, at the age of 76 years, Chris passed away at home, which was his wish, with his wife Nancy by his side.  He fought a long and difficult illness which began with a rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma followed by a gradual but unyielding progression of neuropathy that took over much of his body.  He was always willing to try a treatment that might help, though none of them ever did.  Even so he tried to enjoy as much of life as he could and never lost his innate kindness, gentle manner, strength and sense of humour.  

Chris always had a great love for nature, especially the birds, squirrels and bunnies who visited the yard to eat the food he put out for them or drink from the mini fountain.  He loved gardening and for as long as he was able, he spent hours in the spring and summer planting, weeding, and mowing.  The result was a beautiful yard that gave him and Nancy and many others so much pleasure.  Over the years he enjoyed several hobbies including fly fishing, bee keeping, candle making, and creating beautiful items with wood.  One of his deepest joys was making comfort crosses which were given to family and friends and to his parish church where they were given to the newly baptized and to the ill and dying.

On April 22nd, 1972, Chris married Nancy Mackay, and they joyfully welcomed their precious daughter, Erin in 1977.  He was thrilled when he became a grandpa in 2004 with the arrival of his granddaughter, Malayna, and then again in 2007 when his grandson Aidan was born.  He adored them and they gave him immense delight, laughter, pride, and love.  

Chris worked at Sears as a commissioned salesman for 33 years, happily retiring in 2010.  He had always dreamed of seeing Hawaii and after retirement, he and Nancy fulfilled that dream not once but twice.  

He was predeceased by his parents; Nancy’s parents, Tom and Myrtle Mackay; sister, Karen Hoyes; sister-in-law, Shirley Harding; and brother-in-law, Colin Mackay.  Chris is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Nancy; beloved daughter and son-in-law, Erin and Sean Gramlich; his cherished grandchildren, Malayna and Aidan Gramlich; brothers, Brad Hoyes and Sandy Hoyes (Hilda); as well as several much-loved nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews, cousins, and many friends.  He will be deeply missed by all those who loved him.  

The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. in St. Aidan Anglican Church, 124 First Ave NE in Moose Jaw.  The Rev. Dr. Cal Macfarlane will be the celebrant, and interment will take place at Rosedale Cemetery.  Those not able to attend may view the service by going to www.moosejawfuneralhome.com/webcast/.  As an expression of sympathy, donations in Chris’s name may be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, 2 Lansing Square Suite 601, Toronto, ON M2J 4P8 or to the St. Aidan Anglican Church Renovation Fund, 124 First Ave NE, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 0Y8.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Michelle Ellis, Funeral Director 306-693-4550