James Kenneth Hayes

HAYES-James Kenneth Hayes, age 91, passed away peacefully at his home on July 13th, 2006. Ken was born on February 28, 1915 in Berkeley, CA. to the late James and Lida Hayes. He attended schools in Bishop, Saratoga, and South Pasadena, graduating from Los Gatos High School in 1933. In the spring of 1934, he completed the Spring Quarter at San Jose State and in July departed on a freighter trip, which took him around the world. He arrived back home in December. Kenneth started working for Unio n Oil in 1937 and stayed with them until 1942. An ear infection gave him a 4F classification in the draft so he traveled to Ireland for Lockheed. After jobs with Beckman Instruments, Colliau Chevrolet, and Jet Pump, he answered an ad and began working at Darr Aero Tech Flight School, in Tucson, AZ as a payroll supervisor. He stayed with Darr until 1956 and then went to the University of Arizona as an Assistant Comptroller. He retired from this position after 20 years. Several years after retiring, he mov ed to South Pasadena where he could be closer to his family. His love for gardening, cooking, art and music was shared with many. He was an accomplished pianist and violinist. His greatest joy in later life was making many friends at the South Pasadena Senior Center, ironically located across the street from one of the many schools he attended, El Centro Elementary. He is survived by his sister, Jean Cherniss of South Pasadena, CA., nieces: Betty (Cherniss) Hier of Winooski, VT., Jeanine (Terry) Kearney of Cottonwood, CA., Lorraine (Terry) Bittner of Fresno, CA., nephews: Jim Cherniss of Napa CA., Bill Cherniss of Springfield, MO., and cousins Marilyn Dobson of Brentwood, CA. and Emmy Robinson of Bermuda Dunes, CA. He had grand nieces and nephews: Peter, Laura, Kristin, Ryan, Kelli, Catherine, Cary, Nina, and Megan. Several great-grand nieces and nephews also survive him. His sister, Eleanor Terry, grandnephew, Gary, and grandniece, Jill, preceded him in death. A very special thank you to, Dave Koch, fo r being a caring, helpful and supportive friend. A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 18, 2006 at 12:30 p.m. at the South Pasadena Public Library and Community Center located at 1115 El Centro Street. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at San Gabriel Cemetery in San Gabriel, CA. Cabot & Sons, Pasadena.