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Erin Hales

Image by Nick Andréka

ERIN CATHERINE HALES

(née MOORHEAD)

September 20, 1965 – January 12, 2025

Born in Winnipeg, Erin grew up in St. Vital, attending Hastings, Dakota and Glenlawn. An avid music fan, she was part of Winnipeg’s early punk rock music scene. She married Richard Duguay in ‘86 and they headed to Vancouver in ‘88. A year later, they moved to Los Angeles so Richard could pursue his music career. In LA, Erin worked as a florist, and when they moved back to Vancouver in ‘91 she got a degree in Horticulture from Capilano College. Erin switched gears and worked selling classified advertising for various papers in Vancouver. In ‘93 she and Richard returned to Los Angeles, where they hung out on the Sunset Strip, partied with rock stars, and Erin found work selling Champagne Cruises. This is where she found her niche; she could sell anybody anything. Erin was living in West Hollywood when the big earthquake of ‘94 hit.


Moving back to Vancouver in ‘95, she embarked on a successful career with the Georgia Straight, Vancouver’s local entertainment paper, where she made many friends, with not just colleagues, but also clients. Erin and Richard bought a house in East Vancouver off Commercial Drive that they beautifully renovated. This is where Erin the Hostess, Chef and Horticulturist blossomed. Erin loved entertaining and threw a fabulous party.


Erin and Richard went their separate ways in 2006. Three years later Erin was running Bill’s Bar in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with her husband Josh Hales. They spent their weekends in Sayulita and exploring Mexico’s west coast in their Silverado. After 5 years on the Pacific Coast of Mexico they packed up and drove across the country to Playa del Carmen on the Caribbean. Erin loved the beach life in Playa and formed many friendships with people from all over the world. She welcomed old friends in her home and loved showing them around Mexico. Always the gracious hostess.


Erin always had a dog and two or three cats, and they went everywhere with her: back and forth between Vancouver and LA, and all over Mexico. She loved all animals and was especially fond of coatis. Thanks to Alison, Edgardo and Eliza for adopting her babies.


In 2020 Erin was diagnosed with Frontal Temporal Dementia, a devastating illness that manifests in the prime of life. Her sister Kelly and brother Rod sprang to action and moved her back to Winnipeg for treatment. Thanks to Rob Bruce for braving the pre-vaccine COVID restrictions of the time and flying down to Mexico to bring her home.


It’s been a difficult four years, and Kelly and Rod are so grateful to the staff at Chez Nous, and Deer Lodge Centre for the loving care of Erin especially Angela, Carolyn, Lora, Vanessa, Shelley, Tara, Nicole, Nikky and Alex. Gratitude to LouAnna, Zoe and Laurel and most importantly to Mina Razaaq for her companionship and dedication to Erin. Thanks to Barb and Rob for looking after Kelly on all her extended visits from Vancouver.


Erin was predeceased by her parents Catherine and Glenn and is survived by her siblings Kelly and Rod, and many dear friends.


In the words of dear friends, Erin had an incredible presence, she was truly the life of the party, someone people were naturally drawn to. She made us laugh and loved to laugh just as much. Erin was a gem. She mattered in my life.


Please join us to celebrate her life at 1:00pm on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at The Worship Centre, 2nd Floor, Deer Lodge Centre, 2109 Portage Avenue.


There will be a Celebration of Erin’s life in Vancouver at a later date.


Donations in her honour to any animal shelter appreciated.


Erin’s family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.


ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Janet Smith

January 29, 2025 at 10:34 AM

It's so sad to hear of Erin's passing and it was so moving to see her radiant smile here on this page. She was a beautiful, generous soul and we had many fun nights out together when we worked at the Straight. She had a huge heart, she loved her family back in the 'Peg, and she had an endless knowledge of flowers—when I look at the sweetpeas on my porch I'll remember how much she loved planting them in every available pot. Rest in peace Erin and deepest condolences to her family xo

Yolanna Yerex

January 24, 2025 at 6:14 AM

Dearest Kelly and Rod: I'm so saddened by the news of Erin's passing. She lit up the room with her shine.

I'm grateful she was blessed with such caring and loving siblings.

 

My deepest condolences to you and your families.My deepest condolences to you and your families.

Glenda Robertson

January 23, 2025 at 9:26 PM

I met Erin through her sister Kelly, my friend of many years. When we all lived in Vancouver it was always a good night out with the Moorhead sister. No matter where we went Erin would know someone and if she didn't then Kelly did. Such good times and good memorie. Thank you Erin - you were well loved - rest easy. Condolences to Kelly and Rod.

Diane Stubbington

January 23, 2025 at 5:41 PM

 

Gord and Irene Hochkevich

January 23, 2025 at 5:04 PM

Gord and I are so sorry for your loss Rod.

Deepest condolences to you and your family as well to close family friends 💕

Leo LaFreniere

January 23, 2025 at 2:38 PM

Rod

I'm So sorry for your loss

 

I was so saddened to hear of your loss , and know how special Erin was to you.

Sending caring thoughts your way, heartfelt condolences

💕Those who live in our memories are never truly gone💫

Leo

Jamie Allen

January 23, 2025 at 2:03 PM

Aw..I'm so so sorry to hear this news. I knew Erin from long ago, when I used to hang out at the Moorhead house, as I'm close friends with Rod.

I'm so proud of Rod, as I know he tried very hard to care for his dear sister.

Mark Olfert

January 23, 2025 at 1:40 PM

Hi Rod. I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your sister. I never knew your sister. From what I read about her, it sounds like she had a wonderful life. My condolences to you and your sister. Hugs and prayers.

Zoe

January 22, 2025 at 8:42 PM

Erin, I am so sad to hear about your passing. While the time I knew you was short, i will not forget your love of painting, music, and animals. I still have "Erin's playlist" in my Apple music, that we would listen to while we painted. You had a beautiful gentle spirit and I know you are in a better place. I love you. ❤️

Wendy Rosner ( Steeves)

January 21, 2025 at 2:55 PM

So sorry to hear the news of Erin's passing. Erin and I hung out in Winnipeg in grade 7-9 . I lived just down the street on Parkville Bay. We would take the bus in the dead of winter to go to the Winnipeg roller rink among other things. I always wondered what happened to her and now I find nd out she also lived in BC!! So unfortunate I didn't know this.

RIP sweet lady and condolences to your family.❤️

Uncle Tim

January 19, 2025 at 12:58 PM

from a long time ago

Mina

January 19, 2025 at 3:43 AM

My dearest Erin, full of beauty, light, and love - where do I even begin? Over the last 2 years, I’ve had the profound privilege to be her caregiver. During these last few years, Erin became more than someone I just cared for - she became family to me. She will forever be remembered for the joy she brought to the lives she touched and for the strength she showed, even during the hardest times.

 

Our time together was filled with memories I will cherish forever - from our trips to Assiniboine Park, our adventures in Gimli, and our strolls through the mall. We explored the trails of Royalwood Forest, went to the zoo, enjoyed earl grey tea at High Tea Bakery, listened to your favourite music, watched movies and spent time with our cat, Clifford. We listened to The Rolling Stones so often that they ended up on my Spotify Wrapped Top 5! Each of these moments hold a special place in my heart. Through Erin, I met Rod and Kelly, two beautiful souls who welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like a part of their family. I am forever grateful for the memories we created together and the love that united us through Erin.

 

Erin taught me the true meaning of patience, love, and finding beauty even in life’s hardest moments. No matter how silly or corny my jokes were, Erin always laughed. Rest in peace, my sweet Erin. You are so deeply loved, and the memories we made will live on in my heart and the hearts of all who knew you. ♥️ xo

Neil Gordon

January 19, 2025 at 2:37 AM

Absolutely devastated to hear this sad news. Erin came into my life with a chance meeting in 2007 whilst in a bar in Granville Street. Ever since then Erin and Kelly have been a huge part of my life. Erin was so welcoming to a lonely stranger from Scotland and in the time that I lived in Vancouver she would always make sure that I was part of The Hale's/Moorhead social calendar. Erin was always smiling and boy what a radiant smile she had. It was my pleasure to have her in my life and ill be forever grateful for the kindness she showed to me.

 

Sending love and hugs to Kelly and Rod. Thinking of you all.

 

Neil, Caileigh & Lucy XXX

Robin McCombe

January 18, 2025 at 2:25 PM

Not sure where to start. Erin (AKA) Kitty 🐈‍⬛ Was an amazing friend to me. We met at a bar playing pool when we were young. Her a punk rocker and me a New Waver. That didn't matter to Erin she wanted to be friends with everyone. Or friendship spanned 37 years and we were in touch and close all the years. We spent many amazing times together travelling, partying, hiking and me drinking wine and Erin drinking her Kokanee. She was close to my daughter Amy (she took Amy to get her ears pierced without telling me) So needless to say Auntie Erin was the coolest. My heart is broken but I know my beautiful friend is where the sun shines and there are animals aplenty. I will miss you so much. Hugs

Laura Moore

January 18, 2025 at 2:04 AM

I am so sorry to hear about Erin's illness and passing. I worked with Erin for many years at the Georgia Straight. She was a great rep and her clients loved her. Erin was a really generous soul with a big heart and we had many wonderful conversations about life, usually over a cocktail. She was the epitome of a cool chick, but beautiful inside and out. Happy to have known her. Rest in peace Erin. Sending my condolences to all her family and friends and thinking of you all. Love Laura. ❤️

DEATH CARE SERVICES OF WINNIPEG INC.  Copyright 2019

Ethical Death Care (Death Care Services Inc.) is privately, independently, and locally owned. Shane Neufeld and the original team of Integrity Death Care own and manage this organisation.

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