Richard H. Hays
March 2, 1926 – March 31, 2021
VISITATION observing CDC guidelines: Monday, April 5th from 6:15pm to 7:30pm at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 4810 Woolworth Avenue, followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7:30pm. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Tuesday, April 6th at 10:30am at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Interment: St. Joseph Cemetery, Council Bluffs. Memorials are suggested to Holy Cross Catholic Church or to a charity of your choice.
To view live broadcasts of the Vigil Service, Mass, and Graveside Services, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button on the home page.
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Richard “Dick” Hoyt Hays was born in Omaha, Nebraska on March 2, 1926. He passed away peacefully on March 31, 2021. Richard was a most generous. loving and faithful servant of the Lord. He was a man of humility and great wisdom far exceeding the average individual. After beginning his career as a progressive landscape architect, Richard then obtained a Master of Social Work degree, completing his career as the Executive Director of Uta Halee Girls Village. For those who knew him directly, or those who benefited from his tireless advocacy for children and families, his love impacted so many lives. Dick possessed a kind of good will only found in the most exceptional of human beings. His knowledge and directness served as defining strengths of authority – he was a wonderful family man and provider. His hugs and strong handshakes will be felt and remembered always; we love you, Dad (Papa).
Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Cathy, and his sons, David and Michael. He is survived by his children: Timothy Hays, Mary Kay Swale (Steve), Anne Ferron (Jeff) and Mary Beth Hays; daughter-in-law, Mary Sue Hays; grandchildren: Jessica Talmon (Adam), Theresa Hays, Jordan Hammond (Marcelina), Emma Ferron, Justin Swale, Christian Ferron, Xavier Artis, Jayden Swale, Logan Ferron, and Maya Artis; great-grandchildren: Ethan Hays, Trenson Hammond, Anela Hammond, and Lila Talmon.
4 Comments
My dad was one of the original partners in Schlott Farrington and Hays, Landscape Architects. Dick was a lifelong friend and one of the kindest and thoughtful men I have known. As a kid I remember some of the gatherings in the “giant” house. Despite the virus, I went to visit him at the Tower after Kathy died. We had a wonderful talk and did a lot of reminiscing. I am very thankful for that time. I will miss his visits to Indian creek Nursery. Scott and Shirley Farrington
Jessica & Family: I’m so sorry for your loss. You have been in my prayers. Grandpa looks like a wonderful man. I pray God’s comfort and peace surround you as you grieve his passing. God bless you! –Deannie
I am so sorry to hear of your loss! What a beautiful legacy that he has left! Please know that your whole family will be in my prayers!
Sincere condolences to the entire extended Hays family on the earthly loss of your patriarch. Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Hays, for treating me like a part of your family when I was an annoying little kid. The family you built is a testament to your characters. If everyone grew up across the street from you and saw your example of what the world today calls diversity, the world would be a much better place. Rest in Peace, now that you are together again. Tell Mike and Dave I said, “Hey!”
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