EldonHay

picPride Day 2004

Eldon Roy Hay

December 15, 1931 - September 17, 2017

Eldon was been instrumental in creating PFLAG groups all over the Atlantic Provinces. In 2004 he was Halifax PrideFestival Grand Marshal.

During his career as an ordained minister, scholar, professor, author, and counsellor Eldon impacted many persons. He faced critics and controversies because of his human rights advocacy, and from time to time (!) penned a letter or three to the editor. Eldon always stood by his theological beliefs with courage and strength of mind, assuming a significant leadership role by founding and leading the Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered People (PFLAG) chapters in Moncton and in Amherst, and serving as the first president of PFLAG Canada.

In 1997, he was awarded the New Brunswick Human Rights Award for his tireless efforts in raising awareness of gay acceptance. Never strident, always thoughtful, Eldon Hay was often among the first people many turned to for insight and action when it came to gay rights issues.

His fierce support of the LGBTQ community continued until the last weeks of his life, as evidenced when, wearing his trademark rainbow hat, Eldon sought out NB Premier Brian Gallant to advocate for transgendered issues at Moncton Pride on August 26.

In 2001, Eldon was named the winner of the Queen’s University Alumni Association Award; in 2002, he received Volunteer of the Year award from Affirm United. In October 2003, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada. In 2004, the degree of Doctor of Divinity (Honoris Causa) was conferred on Eldon by Queen’s University. And on September 15, 2017, he was awarded the Senate of Canada Sesquicentennial Medal.

Eldon’s inspiring leadership and distinguished service impacted the church and extended into the community at large. Always attuned to the rights of marginalized groups, Eldon championed a more tolerant and just society – and, as recognized by the Order of Canada: "He desired a better country".

In October, 2004, he was invested as a member of the Order of Canada in Ottawa. The citation read at his investiture reads:

With intelligence, integrity and compassion, this human rights activist has championed a more tolerant, inclusive society. Professor Emeritus of religion at Mount Allison University and a United Church minister, Eldon Hay has provided determined leadership to PFLAG, a support group for parents, families and friends of gay, lesbian and bisexual persons. The first president of PFLAG Canada, he also leads local chapters in Atlantic Canada, where he is highly respected for his thoughtful perspective on the issue of human sexuality. A pillar of his community, he has made a lasting impression on the lives of his students, parishioners and the community at large.

picEldon and Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, October 2004