Alfred L. Hayes

May 8, 1920 - Jan. 4, 2012

On Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012, Alfred Hayes passed away with family and his canine companions at his side in Esparto. Born to Roy and Lillian Hayes in Cottonwood on May 8, 1920, Alfred joined one of Yolo County's oldest pioneering families that homesteaded in the Guinda Hills in the 1800s, a place that has been a big part of Alfred's life and still enjoyed by family and friends.

Alfred attended Madison Elementary School before promoting to Esparto High School, where he met his future bride, Winifred Erickson. Alfred graduated from UC Davis with a degree in agriculture.

On June 21, 1941, Alfred married Winifred and began a 68-year commitment having two daughters, Judy and Lynda. The family settled in the Esparto area. While working for Caterpillar Tractor, Alfred was drafted into the Army where he served overseas during WWII returning to join the family farming operation, Hayes Bros.

Alfred enjoyed working in farming and as a real estate appraiser. He was committed to both his family and his community serving on several boards and organizations such as the Esparto School District, Capay Cemetery District, Western Yolo Conservation Committee, Esparto High School Agriculture Advisory Board, Esparto Volunteer Fire Department and the Esparto Countryside Church.

Alfred was especially proud of the fraternal organizations that he belonged to. He was a 50-year life member of the Esparto VFW, serving as commander on three occasions; a 65-year life member of the Masonic Lodge, serving as an inspector for 14 years and as master, six times. He received the Hiram Award, which is the highest honor bestowed on a Mason. One of his fortes was conducting the Masonic funeral service for fallen brethren. Alfred was also active with Winifred in the Eastern Star for 50 years where they served as Worthy Matron and Patron.

Along with the many years of enjoyment that Alfred received from his family and his dogs, he liked collecting rocks and barbed wire, hunting, cooking, building clocks and most of all spending time in the "hills" where he taught most of his grandkids to drive in his red jeep.

Alfred was known by several nicknames throughout his life, from Herc (short for Hercules) to Popsie (a name given to him by his grandkids). Also known for his recollection of Yolo County history, he was a contributing member of the Yolo County Archives and served on their board. In 2006, Alfred received the "Willie Slaughter Award" for his dedication to the Guinda Black History Program. In 2008, he received the first Cavvie Award, "The Spirit of the Valley," for his lifetime devotion to the Capay Valley.

Alfred is survived by his brother, George (Pat) Hayes; daughters, Judy Hickey and Lynda (Bill) Findley; grandchildren, Julie (Randy) Oppenheimer, Tom Lopez, Lori (Pete) Brooks and Jason (Beth) Findley; great-grandchildren, Matt (Stacy) Milliron, Kyle Brooks, Kristina Lopez, Kevin Brooks, Aaron Findley, Kate Findley and Peer Marie Oppenheimer; great great-grandchildren, Chad and Samuel Milliron. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Other survivors include his canine companions, Speckles and Bandit.

Alfred was preceded in death by his wife, Winifred Hayes; parents, Roy and Lillian Hayes; brother, Jack Hayes; and son-in-law, Gene Hickey.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Madison Fire Department, Esparto Fire Department or a charity of the donor's choice.

Services will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 11, at the Capay Cemetery, 24727 County Road 22 in Esparto, with a reception to follow. Funeral arrangements are being handled by McNary's Chapel.