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Gail Hakes Obituary
Beloved husband, father and grandfather departed this life peacefully May 4, 2011 in the company of loved ones to be with his lord and saviour Jesus Christ. The consummate patriarch of our large family Gail had a positive impact on each and every one of us and we will miss him dearly. An Arizona native, Gail was born in Safford in 1928 and died in Laveen at the age of 83. He spent his early life in Safford where he graduated from Safford High in 1945 and married his lovely wife Dorothy Dee Jones in 1947. They were happily married for 64 years. Gail went on to further his education and graduated from Colorado State University in 1950 and earned a Masters degree in education from Arizona State University in 1957. He spent 29 years teaching and coaching in several high schools including Craig CO, Duncan, Coolidge, South Mountain, Carl Hayden and Alhambra. He was the first varsity football coach at Carl Hayden HS and at Alhambra HS he coached Bob Bruenig the standout ASU and Dallas Cowboy linebacker. After his teaching and coaching years he was the Construction Coordinator for Peoria Unified School District where he was instrumental in the design and construction of multiple schools including Ironwood HS and Centennial HS. He was a force for good in countless young lives. An avid outdoorsmen Gail continually impressed upon us just how much the wilderness has to offer and that we should always respect it. He is survived by his sweetheart Dorothy, their seven children, 25 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and counting. Two celebrations of Gail's life will take place at Meldrum Mortuary 52 N. Macdonald Street, Mesa, AZ 85201. A viewing will be held Tuesday evening May 10, from 6-8 PM followed by a memorial service Wednesday morning May 11 at 11 AM. Meldrum Mortuary handled the arrangements.
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Memories and Condolences
for Gail Hakes
Rene Munday
May 18, 2011
I enjoyed my experience and learning life lessons from Coach Hakes. He was always able to get the best out of all of us. The bitter - sweet things that I’ll always remember in the beginning of football season are: the Hakes Invitational Mile Run, the 40 40 wind sprints, but best of all his sense humor. Making all his players sing Christmas carols “Singing dashing through the Snow” during the 3 A Day practices in hottest days of August. He has impacted a lot of young people’s lives and had a great influence on me. He will be missed by all whom had the privilege to know him. Our prayer is for God to bring comfort and healing to his family, friends and his players.
God Bless you Coach and Godspeed!
Rene Munday
Alhambra Class of 74
Bryant Shaw
May 16, 2011
My sympathy to the Hakes family. I will never forget PE class and running the mile with him. ALHAMBRA "75"
steve matlock
May 16, 2011
I first met Coach Hakes near my home growing up by Carl Hayden HS when I was 12 years old. I watched him teach his players how to play football and always wished I would have the opurtunity to play for him. Well as luck would have it I moved to the Alhambra district and he was hired to coach the football team there. At Alhambra I learned a lot from Coach Hakes and as an adult I realized he was a not only a very good coach but also a great leader, teacher, mentor and councelor. He helped mold our character with life lessons about integrity, manhood and teamwork. Thanks Coach! I extend my deepest condolances to the Hake's family and I thank God for having the pleasure of learning from an incredible man! May the peace of God be with you always!
andy mulville
May 12, 2011
a life defined by character, integrity, honesty, and discernment, uncle snigglefritz , the immeasureable beauty of your investment in my life is matched only by your wifes beautiful heart. its a privelege to be part of the family.
Lee Nolble
May 11, 2011
When Susan and I got involved with the Alhambra High Young Life Club, Gail was the first staff person I met. I was a bit scared thinking that the School thought I was puching drugs and the kids thought I was a narcotics agent. Gail and I had lunch and as we talked about the ministry of rreaching high school kids for Christ, He became an incredible source of dGrace and encouragement to our group of leaders.
I'll always thank the Lord for that encouragement. Lee Noble
Tom Meeks
May 11, 2011
Rest in Peace, Coach.
~AHS Class of 1976
Debbie Liebman
May 11, 2011
I only met Gail when his granddaughter Korine married my son a few years ago and found out then how much he was loved by his family. They looked up to him and it seemed he touched their lives in a special way. It was a pleasure to meet and get to know him and his loving wife Dorothy during family celebrations and holidays. I will miss his blessings and words of wisdom before all of those gatherings. I am happy that I got to know him if only for a short time. Love, Debbie Liebman
Jeff Brown
May 10, 2011
Coach Hakes was a positive influence on my life as our football coach at Alahmabra HS and as a person. He will always be remembered by the Class of 1971.
Jarett Eisenbart
May 10, 2011
Papa, you were and still are the biggest influence on me. You taught me everything I needed to know about respect and life in general. I'm going to miss you dearly! I love you so much.
Jalann Marshall (Conrad)
May 9, 2011
My sincere condolences to all the Hakes family at this sorrowful time.
Viki and "Second Motho", if you need anything don't hesitate to ask.
Love you, Cassandra
Jalann Marshall (Conrad)
May 9, 2011
Gail, I always looked up to you, respected you, admired you, you treated me like I was somebody! You even gave me the nickname, "Cassandra" I will hold that dear to my heart as long as I live. I will miss you, but only for awhile.. til we meet again, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord!
Scott Beck
May 9, 2011
I knew Gail and worked with him many years on construction projects for the Peoria Unified School District. I valued and enjoyed the time I spent with him. He truly loved his family and his work. I was around when he took up golf after saying he couldn't understand it for many years. Once bitten, he couldn't go back. We shared many enjoyable rounds together. He was a great man and will be greatly missed.
May 9, 2011
Papa,
It was a pleasure to get to know you. Thank you for accepting me into your great family. I am eternally grateful for the influence you had on my wife. Love you, and you will be missed. Love Cy
Tyler T Hakes
May 9, 2011
Papa you have always been a person to look up to. You always knew what to say in any situation. I hope one day to be half the man you were. You will be greatly cherished, mourned, and celebrated. I will do my best to carry on your unique sense of humor and of course that stern Hakes handshake. Until we meet again, I love you Papa.
May 9, 2011
Papa I so love you. You were like a Father to me Im very blessed to have had you in my life and the great influence in my sons your Grandsons life. Thank you Papa for you. Love love love.
May 8, 2011
My condolences to the entire Hakes family. The Smith family remembers your family from the old neighborhood in Maryvale. My heart goes out to your family in this time of loss. Elaine (Smith) Aragon
joseph cortright
May 8, 2011
Mr. Hakes was a great influence on the kids in Maryvale in the 60's. Growing up next door to the Hakes Family was a true gift. I'll never forget the fishing trips he took us on. He always made time for us kids in the neighborhood. My heart goes out to the Family for your loss. His life here on earth was a true blessing to all he touched.
Joe Cortright
May 8, 2011
Going to miss Coach Hakes' strong handshake at our monthly luncheons. Coach was one of the "good guys" at Carl Hayden. Rest in Paradise Coach. Ernie Trujillo
Craig Briner
May 8, 2011
Coach Hakes had a positive influence on many young men, one of them being me. My condolences to his family.
May 8, 2011
Papa you were my real life hero! I will never forget the many lessons you taught me and the amazing man you were. I will deeply miss you until we can meet again. Janelle
Ryan
May 8, 2011
WE LOVE YOU PAPA!!! GOOD LUCK ON YOUR NEW JOURNEY AND LET US KNOW HOW IT IS!!!
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