Emmet B. Hayes

EMMET B. HAYES Died peacefully on November 1, 2006, at the age of 95 from a stroke. Although born in San Francisco in 1911, he lived in San Mateo and Burlingame for most of his life. Always independent, he cared for himself until his death. A true gentleman, his life was defined by his generosity, sharp wit, successful profession, love of travel, and the many friends he made through the organizations to which he belonged. The fabric of his life was his love for his wife, Maxine Lee, whom he married in 1937, and his family. He leaves behind his son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Ute Hayes of Belmont, and daughter, Sharon Collins of Oakland, three grandchildren and six great grandchildren, as well as his wife's sisters, Barbara Carroll of Colorado Springs and Joan Jamison of San Jose and their families. He was recently honored at a 95th birthday party attended by 25 loving relatives. Emmet graduated from Burlingame High School and later from what was then San Mateo Jr. College. Before beginning his studies at Stanford U. he worked his way around the world on the SS President Wilson at the age of 18. He later revisited almost every country in the world. While at Stanford he pledged Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity, where he made life-long friends; in 1954 he became National President of the fraternity. Following his Stanford graduation in 1932, he attended Hastings College of Law. He practiced law for some 50 years in San Francisco. During World War II he was associated with the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Alien Property. He also enjoyed teaching at Golden Gate Law School. After his retirement in his 70's, he devoted much time to tracing his genealogy, leaving his grateful family an autobiography. Since he had been editor of his school newspapers, as well as a "stringer" for the Oakland Tribune, his memoirs are beautifully written, interesting and witty. Emmet, "with one t," was proud of his Irish heritage and his sharing the name of Robert Emmet, Irish orator and patriot. He was a member of the State and Federal Bar Associations, California Masonic Lodge, the Scottish Rite, the Asiya Shriners Temple, the Royal Order of Jesters, Optimist International, Sons in Retirement, Native Sons of the Golden West, Sons of the American Revolution, the San Mateo Elks Lodge, and the Burlingame Historical Society. He loved baseball and was a lifetime booster of the S.F. Seals and Giants. He supported the Boy Scouts of America and was proud of his Eagle Scout achievement. At his request, there will be no memorial. His ashes will be interred with his beloved wife, who preceded him in death in 1973, at Oak Hill Cemetery of San Jose. His immediate family will then convene for a time of remembrance to toast their beloved patriarch.