Obituary of Gary R. Hayes

Chestertown: Gary Robert Hayes, 71, of Stock Farm Rd., passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family, Wednesday, September 10, 2014 at his home, following a courageous battle with cancer. Born November 3, 1942 in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Carson and Clara (Towne) Hayes. Gary attended Warrensburg Central School and later received his GED with the United States Air Force. Gary proudly served his country during the Vietnam Conflict, where he was stationed at Westover Air Force Base, Springfield, MA. He was employed by Albany Engineering Systems in Queensbury until his retirement in 2008 after 34 years of dedicated service. He took great pride in building his own home on Stock Farm Rd., in Chestertown. Gary was always willing to lend a helping hand. He could often be found helping his family or friends with various projects. He was a jack of all trades and will be remembered for his skill operating his backhoe. He always looked forward to a friend or family member stopping by for a cold one on his porch. He enjoyed taking his grandchildren for rides on his four wheeler and spending afternoons on his riding lawn mower. Besides his parents he was predeceased by three brothers, Carson Hayes, Jr., Gerald Hayes, and Gabby Hayes; sister, Wanda LaVergne, special aunt, Lorraine Dalaba, and his niece, Robin Vernum. Gary is survived by his daughters, Valerie Lewis of Lake George, and Michelle Ross of Rapid City, SD; two sons, Gary R. Hayes, Jr. and his wife, Shandra of South Glens Falls, and Reese E. Hayes and his wife, Kathy of Colorado; one brother, Wayne Hayes and his wife, Jean of New Market, NH. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Florence Hayes of Warrensburg, ten grandchildren: Shanna, Yvonne, Grant, Garrett, Mark, Courtney, Ty, Danica, Bailey,and Ethan; three great-grandchildren, Mason, Kyla and Carter, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. Friends may call on Gary’s family from 12 to 2 pm, Monday, September 15, 2014 at Alexander Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. A funeral service to celebrate his life will follow the visitation at 2 pm, Monday at the funeral home with Fr. Thomas Pettigrew, of the Church of the Holy Cross, officiating. Burial will follow in Chester Rural Cemetery. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guestbook, condolences and directions.