Robert Hayes, Lt. Colonel USAFR (Ret.) Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, Robert D. Hayes, 93, of Provo, Utah passed away May 28, 2013 from causes incident to age, surrounded by his family. Robert was born in Pleasant Grove, Utah, December 15, 1919, the son of Junius John and Genevieve Spilsbury Hayes. He was raised in Salt Lake City and graduated from East High School in the Class of 1937. He attended the University Of Utah School Of Engineering from 1937 to June 1941. While there, he joined the ROTC. He received his commission and reported for Active Duty June 11, 1941, in the Army Air Corps at Fort Douglas. He served from June 1941 to January 1946 in the Asiatic Pacific Theater. He remained in the Air Force Reserve and served until retirement in July 1969. He was always proud of his service to his country and retired as a Lt. Colonel, a true patriot. Robert completed his Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1948, Suma Cum Laude, from Stanford University. He was a licensed Professional Engineer in the states of Utah and California. Robert began his engineering career with U.S. Steel Corporation Geneva Works in August 1948, working for 53 years before retiring. He enjoyed his work and the people he worked with. Robert loved to reminisce that he met his wife, Virginia Day, and landed his engineering job on the same day! They were married in Aurora, Utah, in 1950; sealed in the Provo Temple in 1972. They enjoyed a wonderful life. He was a great father, husband, and the rock of our family. He will always be remembered for his dry sense of humor and dedication to his family. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and faithfully served in many callings in Ward & Stake organizations. Robert was twice President of Edgemont Lions Club and engaged in many civic and community service activities. He was also a Charter member and the Treasurer of the Association of Iron and Steel Engineers (AISE) for 28 years; a member of the Reserve Officers Association, Air Force Association, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Both he and Virginia were founding members of Provo's Riverside Country Club. He is survived by his dearly loved wife of 63 years, Virginia Day Hayes, 3 children; Paul (Helen) Hayes, Kathryn (Martin) Johnson, and Susan Hayes, 4 grandchildren, and sisters June Sumsion (San Jose, CA) and Beverly Dalley (Ogden, UT). He was preceded in death by his beloved parents and brothers Keith and David Hayes. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 1, 2013 at the Edgemont 7th Ward Chapel, 555 East 3230 North, Provo, Utah. Friends may call at the Berg Mortuary of Provo, 185 East Center Street, Friday evening from 6-8:00, and at the church Saturday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment, Pleasant Grove City Cemetery. We appreciate the service of A+ Home Health Care and grandson Jesse 0. Nelson's exceptional care of his grandfather. Condolences may be sent through his obituary at www.bergmortuary.com.

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Robert Hayes, Lt. Colonel USAFR (Ret.)

December 15, 1919 - May 28, 2013