William Hazlett Mays

1927 - 2021

William Hazlett Mays

William Hazlett "Bill" Mays brought love and laughter to all who knew him. His family and many friends were at the heart of his life. He loved music, playing his piano, athletics, his country, and the US Marines. Bill died peacefully on December 10, 2020 at Spokane Hospice South in Spokane, Washington.

Born on December 29, 1927 in Southern California to Howard Wendell Mays and Isabel Hazlett Mays. Bill grew up in Oxnard, California where he attended Oxnard High School and was student body president and captain of the football team. He composed the school's Alma Mater, which is still sung today. In 1946 Bill was the California State Pole Vaulting Champion. After graduation he attended the University of Southern California on a track scholarship. While at USC's Thornton School of Music Bill composed, co-wrote and directed two stage shows, Mr Trojanality and Mr Trojanality in Paris.

After graduation from USC in 1951, he served as a Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. While stationed at Camp Pendleton he again composed, co-wrote and directed a musical stage performance, Because it's Spring--performed by the Marines.

Bill had many varied endeavors, from working on a Hollywood Movie to managing the men's department at JC Penny. Working as an elementary school principal was his greatest joy and his distinguished career as a professional educator in Thousand Oaks, California lasted 30 years.

Bill and his wife Mary Ellen retired to Spokane, Washington. Bill quickly adopted Spokane as his new home where he continued service in the community by being a member of Rotary 21 Club and serving on the boards of the Spokane Symphony, Allegro Baroque and Beyond, and Holy Names Music Center. His love of music led him to the work with Spokane Area Children's Chorus as the Executive Director for 10 years, a position he was very proud to hold.

As a life-long athlete, Bill participated in many sports including sailing, tennis, and jogging. Bill and Mary Ellen also enjoyed their travels in Great Britain and Europe.

He is survived by his wife Mary Ellen, his brother Richard Mays, his children Karol Pierce, Kathy McBride, and those by marriage, Scot Thomson, Suzanne Bjork and Janette Herring as well as thirteen grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother Howard W. Mays and son Daniel Thomson.

Bill's positive influence, enduring spirit, and constant personal encouragement to others will linger and remain, helping so many people for many years to strive to attain their personal goals and ambitions. Bill had a wonderful life and will be greatly missed.

A full honor military funeral will be held in Spring 2021, at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake. Donations in Bill's name may be made to Spokane Area Youth Choirs or Holy Names Music Center Spokane in honor of his love for music education, or a music charity of your choice.