In Celebration of

Gena "Gene" Hajdur

May 11, 1949 -  November 25, 2024

Gene Hajdur, age 75, passed away peacefully Monday, November 25th in the presence of loved ones at St. Joseph’s Health Centre after a long battle with kidney disease. Recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for his exemplary work for Youth Baseball and Youth Curling.

He will be remembered for his sense of humour and love of history.

Remembered by Karen Hajdur and daughter Katharine (Colin) McCarter and grandchildren William and Evelyn, sister Tonya (Ted) Squires, nephew Matthew (Katie) Squires and family, brother Walter (Purita) Hajdur, niece Dr. Lorraine (Suneil) Kalia, and niece Stephanie Hajdur (Xerxes Punthakee) and family.

All are welcome at a Service to be held 10 a.m., on Friday December 13, 2024 at St. Casimir’s Church; 156 Roncesvalles Ave Toronto. A private interment service will be held at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Jays Care Foundation.

Guestbook 

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Jim McCarter (Father-in-law)

Entered December 6, 2024

I hadn't realized Gene received the Queen's Jubilee medal for his work with young curlers - now I know where Katherine (Kat) gets her love of the game as a teenage curler. Gene courageously persevered through some difficult health issues over the last few years and will be sorely missed by his family.

Susan Underhill (Friend)

Entered December 8, 2024 from Etobicoke

Karen,

I'm sorry for your loss. I know you managed a lot for Gene and lost a good friend.

Paul Marshall (A close family friend)

Entered December 8, 2024 from Oakville, Ontario

My dearest Katherine,

We have shared many a conversation, some difficult some easy, but I feel your loss as if it were my own..

To where or whom you turn I. Hope you will find consolation and peace within yourself, the journey sometimes can take longer than we imagine.

Know that I will always be there for you should you ever require or need me

Love,
Paul

Rick McGillivray (Friend)

Entered December 10, 2024 from Kitchener

Karen phoned Sandy and I to give us the news of Gene passing. I was sad and depressed but then I started to think about all the good times Gene and I had together and a smile came to my face.
Gene and I met about 50 years ago and became good friends. We would meet at the Nags Head in downtown Toronto every Friday night with a group of about 10 people. We would have a few beers, and then a few more beers. By the end of the night we were singing old Irish songs along with the band.
One night Gene told me he was seeing this girl. Eventually I met this girl named Karen. I later told him to make sure he did everything to keep this girl as he was a real winner.
Once or twice a year Gene and I and 4 to 6 other people had our Track and Field day. We would go golfing in the morning and to Woodbine Racetrack in the afternoon.
For a number of years Gene and I would go to Woodbine Racetrack on Breeders Cup Day. More races to bet on and more money to lose. It was not about the money, it was about the friendship.
Over the years we both got married. We were glad our wives continued to let us meet on Friday nights. Tell you the truth I think our wives were glad to get rid of us so they could have a quiet and peaceful evening.
Gene, Karen, Sandy and I all get together for some great evenings. These were days I will never forget and will always cherish the memories.
Over the years the Friday night group got down to just Gene and I. By this time we both had kids. We would have a few beers and, yes, a few more beers. We would talk about how great our wives were, talk about our kids and their great accomplishments and finally we would talk about local politics. These were Genes favourite topics to discuss.
Life has many twists, turns and curves. Eventually our Friday night get togethers came to an end and became the occasional long distance phone call.
I remember talking to Gene when each of his grandkids were born. Even though he was not in good health you could hear the joy and happiness in his voice talking about his grandkids.
Gene, you may no longer be here physically but our memories will last forever. I was always proud to call you my friend.
Gene, I have one more favour to ask of you. When you meet God invite him out on a Friday night for a few beers. I know he will not replace me but he will try, lol.
Rest in Peace, my friend.

Barbara Thistle 

Entered December 11, 2024 from North York

May memories of happier times with Gene and family comfort you at this sad time. Hugs

Photos 

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