John Milburn Hayes

1931 - 2017

John Milburn Hayes

Redding, CA

1931 – 2017

John Milburn Hayes passed away on Monday, January 2nd, at home surrounded by his loved ones.

John was born April 2nd, 1931 in Greenville, Tennessee to Jesse and Ella Hayes. He was the youngest of 6. John graduated from Redwell, High School in Memphis, TN.

He joined the Army in 1949 and was stationed at White Sands, New Mexico until 1953. He was an electrician tech and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant.

John moved to California and worked at General Dynamics in Pomona, CA, where he met his wife of 40 years, Claire Gerdes.

He studied at Humboldt State University and graduated with a Masters in biology 1960. In that same year John started in Sacramento for the State Department of Water Resources. 1966 Hayes was transferred to Dept. of Fish and Game in Red Bluff and eventually coming to DFG in Redding. For 35 years he fought to protect the fish in the wild rivers and nature of California. Throughout his career Hayes stood up to the Corps of Engineers and the Department of Water Resources to protect salmon and steelhead habitat from dams.

In the early 70s, Hayes would form the foundation for the Trinity River Task Force. As the DFG's first regional Environmental Services Supervisor, Hayes was a driving force behind California's Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Hayes convinced the Corps of Engineers that rip-rapping the Sacramento River would destroy too much riparian vegetation and salmon habitat.

He guided the Upper Sacramento River Salmon and Steelhead Advisory Committee in the 1980's whose reports on the status on the river below Shasta dam helped pave the way for the listing of the winter-run King Salmon as an endangered species.

Hayes was always an ardent spokesman for fish and fishermen. It took great courage and dedication to accomplish what he did. His legacy as a dam buster for the salmon lives on in the free rivers of California.

John loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting, and camping with family and friends. He loved to sing with Barber Shop Quartets. He belonged to the Redding BPOE, Elks Club, and 49er Club. He was an avid 49er fan.

John is survived by daughter Sunny (Bill) Babcock, Debbie (Randy) Ross, Steve (Liz) Hayes, Patti (Doug) Hunt. He is also survived by 3 grandsons, 6 granddaughters and 8 great grandchildren.

John is preceded in death by his wife Claire, son Kenny, and longtime companion Sharon Bishop.

A private service for family was held at Lawncrest Cemetery, where he now rests beside Claire and son Kenny.

In lieu of flowers the family knows John would prefer donations be made to the Sacramento River Preservation Trust or a charity of your choice.

Please sign the guest book at http://obits.redding.com