Obituary: Hays, Gary Alan

HAYS,
Gary Alan

Gary Alan Hays, a longtime resident of Kettle Falls, WA passed away on May 3, 2016 at the age of 66 due to complications of a motorcycle accident.

Gary was born on February 9, 1950 in Prineville, OR the son of Mervyn E. and Betty J.

(Anderson) Hays.

Gary moved to Pleasant Valley, WA as a young boy with his family.

There he attended the Pleasant Valley Schoolhouse throughout grade school.

Gary’s education then continued in Kettle Falls where he graduated in 1969 from Kettle Falls High School.

He had begun working at Boise Cascade Lumber Company when he was a senior in high school which allowed him to buy his prized possession off the showroom floor; a 1969 candy-apple green Road Runner.

Gary continued this employment following graduation.

Gary then turned his interest to home construction and remodeling for a time.

He married Janice Kay Billbe, in Toppenish, WA, under an Apricot tree, on July 13, 1974.

They made their home in Kettle Falls where they raised their family.

Gary also worked with the railroad before entering a 28 1/2-year career with Alcoa in August of 1975.

Gary worked the majority of his years with Alcoa as a drilling and blasting coordinator proudly earning the nickname “Rockworm”.

He retired in 2004, which led Janice’s retirement by only a year.

They then began to travel and enjoyed extended R.V.

adventures all across the United States.

Some of his greatest memories were created while traveling to historical locations where he could pay tribute to those who helped to form this country and remembered those who had fallen.

Most recently, they were able to visit the 9-11 Memorial in New York City, an experience that they embraced with much excitement, compassion and great honor.
Gary enjoyed sharing time in the outdoors with his family, hunting, camping, fishing and snowboarding.

However, his greatest passion in life was watching and supporting his grandchildren play sports.

He was truly interested in the life stories of those he met and shared many hours visiting the other R.V.

campground guests, community members and his Wednesday Northern Ales cronies.

He gave great attention to detail and was not shy as to share his rhyme or reason.

When asked what of grandpa would be greatest missed, his 5 year old grandson Walker’s response was simple, “Grandpa… his heart…his funniness.”

Gary’s roller coaster riding and adrenaline craving nature was in perfect balance with his patience, kindness and unwavering love.

He offered of himself without reservation to his country, community and family.

Gary served proudly for six years with the United States National Guard and was a lifetime supporter of those who gave of themselves to the protection of this country, both in and outside its boarders.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mervyn and Betty Hays.
Gary is survived by his wife, Janice Hays, at the home; three children, Geoff Hays and his wife, Kelly, Bend, OR, Tammi Zerck and her husband, Bobby, Malo, WA, and Ian Hays and his wife, Katie, Medical Lake, WA; seven grandchildren, Grant, Dana, Brice, Nikki, Jamie, Weston and Walker; one great-grandchild, Ella; one brother, Michael Hays, Republic, WA; one sister, Janine Hall and her husband, Dave, Spokane, WA and several nieces and nephews.
A gathering to celebrate the life of Gary A. Hays will begin at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, May 21, 2016 at Northern Ale’s Brewery in Kettle Falls, WA.

Memorial contributions may be given to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.

Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com. Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.