Stan Hayduk is a life-long resident of Garson. The community he calls home has a very special place in his heart.
He was involved in municipal politics for 35 years, first representing Neelon-Garson, then Nickel Centre, and finally, the Regional Municipality of Sudbury. He was the mayor of Garson from 1982 to 1997.
In his career, Hayduk was a hoist mechanic for Falconbridge Limited for 38 years.
He has been a member of the St. John’s Cemetery Improvement Group since 1997. Hayduk is a valued, dedicated, and reliable member of the group. On most work nights, he operates the John Deere hauling wagon and keeps quite busy moving raked piles of leaves and pine needles, as well as the trimmed piles of branches from tree trimming, to the dump area.
He is also involved in doing grave repairs ("sinkers"), by hauling loam to these areas, applying grass seed, and packing these areas for grass to grow.
John Monaghan formed the cemetery group in 1993 and three original members are still active and all going strong. Their group of 20 (nine in their 80s) have accomplished approximately 25 major projects over the years to improve the cemetery. It has always been their tradition to maintain and upkeep all that they are responsible for. They gather once a week for two hours of scheduled work improvements to help make the cemetery a nice place to visit.
“When I was mayor (of Garson), St. John’s Cemetery was owned by St. John’s Catholic Church. When we went to one tier, the cemetery went to the city. The city takes care of the cemetery and we work on some of the improvements.
“We get so many compliments on how nice the cemetery is. I had been in politics for so long. People call me, even today when I’m not there anymore, they still call. I always get along with the staff. I just keep doing it. The more I do, the better I feel.”
Hayduk got involved in his community in his younger years and has continued to do all he can to contribute. The years are many: Hayduk will be celebrating his 90th birthday this December.
“I lived in Garson all my life. When I was younger, I did a lot of [Eastern Professional Hockey League] reffing in the area. I got to know an awful lot of people and then I was involved in getting the arena started.”
Hayduk is a founding member of the Human League Association of Sudbury, a group that believes in and promotes equal opportunity to participate in and enjoy physical activity and healthy meals. He’s also been involved with the Garson Lions Club for 57 years.
“We do a lot of volunteer work, help the food bank, or if anyone calls, we look into seeing if we can help financially. I go to help with bingo. I take my turn. If they need help at St. John’s Church, I help … (but) now, I let the younger guys do it.”
“Keeping Tradition” is a motto of the St. John’s Cemetery Improvement Group. Hayduk has faith the good work of the group will continue in years to come.
“John Monaghan has done such a great job in keeping us organized. I’m just so proud of all the guys.”
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, this committed group of service-oriented citizens has not only continued to maintain and make improvements to their community cemetery, but their membership has also grown to include some “younger” blood.
They work with good harmony, jokes, and laughter, all with the intent to make things better.
Pre-COVID, the St. John’s Cemetery Improvement Group hosted a fundraising barbeque once a year, attracting 400-500 people.
“So many would attend. They love doing that. We would give hot dogs and hamburgers at no charge and collect donations to go to charity.”
Hayduk believes volunteering is so important. His sense of community is strong, as is his desire to help. Upon turning ninety, he continues to contribute.
“Around the community, a lot of people [need help]. You always want to go help them. Maybe not always financially, but you can help in other ways. Lions Club is always volunteering, always helping people. There are so many things you can do in your community to help.”
Stan Hayduk’s “Words of Volunteer Wisdom”
Go out to help people who need help. Look at a situation, and if you figure you can make a difference, do it. Most people do. Sometimes in the past, I have wondered, ‘Why am I doing this?’ Once, a guy came back and said, ‘Sir, I owe you an apology. You did well for our community.’ That’s why you take the job. It’s not always easy.”
Erin Medakovic is a freelance writer in Greater Sudbury.
