James Miller Hay

July 9, 1929 — Regina, Saskatchewan

August 16, 2026 — Sarnia, Ontario

With profound sadness, the family announces the passing of James (Jim) Miller Hay on August 16, 2026. Jim led a remarkable and accomplished life, finding success in virtually everything he touched. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 62 years, Mary Susanne (Sue) Cantlon, whom he adored.

Jim is survived and deeply loved by his daughters Pat (Mike) and Joan, and his sons Charlie (Sam) and Jim (Debbie); six grandchildren — Lauren (April), Dylan, Alex (Brandon), Mike, Gillian, and Regina — and one great-grandchild, James. He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Florence (“String”) Hay, and his siblings, Donna Ludwig and Bill Hay.

Jim might best be described as a modern renaissance man. He excelled as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, friend, athlete, engineer, mathematician, business leader, jazz drummer, professor, teammate and companion. He approached life with a smile, a quick laugh, and a kind, thoughtful manner.

Born in Regina and raised in Saskatoon, Jim grew up in a family rooted in achievement. As a young man, Jim was an avid athlete, enjoying hockey, football and swimming – earning an Olympic tryout in long-distance swimming.

Following in his parents’ footsteps, Jim graduated in Chemical Engineering (1950), from the University of Saskatchewan while captaining both the football and hockey teams, earning the university’s Major Athletic Award, as his father had before him. Most importantly, it was there that he met, courted and married Mary Sue Cantlon in 1950.

After their wedding, Jim and Sue moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Jim earned his Master’s in Petroleum Engineering. In 1954, after turning down a contract offer from the Detroit Red Wings, they moved to Toronto, where Jim pursued his PhD in Chemical Engineering at the University of Toronto, and they welcomed their first child, Pat, in 1954.

In 1957, Jim joined Dow Canada and moved the family to Sarnia, where Charlie (1959), Jim (1962), and Joan (1965) were born. After 11 years building his technical career, Jim was assigned in 1968 to Dow Global Headquarters in Midland, Michigan, where he led the company’s emergence into the computer age. He also founded Midland’s first formal kids’ hockey program, the MAHL, and coached its travel all-star team.

The family returned to Sarnia in 1973 when Jim became Vice President, Operations for Dow Canada. There, he led the creation, planning, construction, and startup of Dow’s Fort Saskatchewan Site, at the time Dow’s largest single investment outside the United States. The site remains a cornerstone of Alberta’s petrochemical industry.

In 1980, Jim became President and CEO of Dow Canada, and in 1983, Chairman of the Board. His leadership emphasized Canadian growth, safety, and a quality-driven culture. In 1985, he finished his career as Dow Global VP Corporate Products in Midland, retiring in 1988.

Retirement opened the door to many of Jim’s passions: swimming, golf, tennis, running, music — especially jazz drumming — and time at Lake Huron and Sanibel Island, Florida. He also returned to his technical roots as an adjunct and Honorary Professor in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at Western University, teaching courses ranging from the highly technical “Polyethylene Plant Design” to a lecture for graduating students called “So You Want to Be Boss?”.

At Western, Jim also pursued his growing passion for Applied Mathematics and became a recognized expert in Chaos and Complexity Theory (Fractals). His work culminated in a collaboration with former Dean of Sociology David Flynn, resulting in their 2012 book, Making Social Change.

After Sue’s passing in 2013, Jim remained in their cherished family home until age 95. During those years, a new and deeply meaningful relationship blossomed with Janet Hill, which sustained until his passing.

Jim’s life was extraordinary not only for his accomplishments, but for his character. He was intelligent, athletic, visionary, loving, kind, funny, insightful, fiercely loyal, generous, and open-minded. Most of all, he was a quiet, gentle supporter of those he loved — especially his children and grandchildren.

He was, simply, quite a guy — a man who lived a spectacular life. He will be missed deeply by all who knew him.

The family gratefully acknowledges the care Jim received from Dr. MacMillan and Dr. Martin at Bluewater Health, and offers heartfelt thanks to Dr. Crombeen, Dr. McSweeney, and the extraordinary staff and volunteers at St. Joseph’s Hospice. We feel so fortunate, and are so grateful, for the special time we all had with Dad during his final ten weeks.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Sarnia Golf & Curling Club, 500 Errol Road W, Point Edward, on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 1–4 pm. In lieu of flowers, sympathy may be expressed through donations to St. Joseph's Hospice (cheques only at the funeral home, please). Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia.