Delbert G. Hays

Delbert Gayle Hays, 78, died Feb. 17, 2009 after a long battle with cancer.

He was born Nov. 4, 1930 to Eugene and Elizabeth Hays. A Spokane, Wash., native, he graduated from John Rogers High School in 1949. He married Jeanne Milliron in September 1952 and they recently celebrated their 56th anniversary.

An Army veteran, he served at John Madigan Hospital in Tacoma, Wash., before returning to Spokane. Hays was employed by Empire Glass until moving his family to Libby in 1969, where he started his own businesses – Frontier Glass and later, Best Buy Building Center.

After retiring, they returned to Spokane in the summer of 1990. Throughout his lifetime, he was active in the community. He was a volunteer with the Libby Volunteer Ambulance, a member of the City Planning Commission of Libby, as well as a member of the Elks.

Well-known for his sense of humor, Mr. Hays was an avid bowler, golfer, friend to many and stranger to none. In the last several years, he enjoyed his winters in Yuma, Ariz., and summers in the Spokane area.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Gene Jr.; and his grandson, Nathan Hays.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanne; children, Jim (Kim) Hays, Cindy Hays, Fr. Tim Hays, Denise Kirkpatrick and Wendy (Dick) Thomas; nine grandchildren; one great-grandson and countless friends and extended family.

Visitation will be private. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, Feb. 21, at 1 p.m. at The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 3624 W. Indian Trail Road in Spokane. Private Inurnment at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Assumption Parish, 3624 W. Indian Trail Road, Spokane, WA 99208; The Assumption Catholic Church, 2098 E. Alder, Walla Walla, WA 99362; or the Union Gospel Mission, 1224 E. Trent, Spokane, WA 99202.

Family and friends are invited to sign his online guestbook at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com .

Hennessey Funeral Home handled arrangements.