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BORN
1945
DIED
2022
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John Hayes Obituary
December 15, 1945 - March 23, 2022
Modesto, California - John Culpepper Hayes was born and raised in Modesto, California. An activist from the start, he enlisted in The United States Marine Corps to defend his country in Vietnam at the age of 18. He later served in the U.S. Air Force at Elmendorf and remained an advocate for social justice and democracy his entire life.
John took part in the initial construction effort of The Trans-Alaska Pipeline System before settling into a 30 year career as an engineer draftsman in San Francisco. His time in The Bay Area was marked by a deep devotion to The 49ers, The Giants and the 40-foot wooden sailboat that he lived aboard at Pier 39.
He loved watching movies on the big screen, swimming in wide open spaces, winning at Canasta and writing down his thoughts about the world around him.
John passed away at his home in Modesto after a lengthy battle with lung cancer and is survived by his sister, Shirley Stray, his brother Robert Hayes, his daughter, M'Lissa Hayes and his granddaughter, Sydney Trussler. He is preceded in death by his father, Ridley Hayes, his mother, Mildred Twilley and his beloved dog, Jack.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Hayes
3 Entries
Cheri Halsey
June 28, 2022
What a special person you were to Bud and I. We had a lot of fun times at Giants games cheering for our boys and going head to head in a card game . Give Bud a big hug for me!
Thanks for all the great memories.
MLissa C Hayes
June 28, 2022
Dad,
Your quiet sense of wonder lives large in me and continues to guide me through the hardest things- including losing you.
Thank you for your patience and faith in me all these years
I miss and love you so much,
Bayboo
Michelle Williams
June 18, 2022
John, you were my first love and there will always be a place in my heart for you and your family. I am grateful for the memories and for our daughter, M'Lissa and granddaughter, Sydney.
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