Roy Hayes

Roy Allan Hayes, 65, of Hazen, ND passed away on January 18, 2020 at Sakakawea Medical Center, Hazen. A celebration of Roy’s life will take place at a later date.

Roy was born on February 9, 1954 in Grand Forks, ND to Russell and Mary Jo (Driscoll) Hayes at St. Michael’s Hospital. He was baptized in the Catholic faith on Sunday, February 21, 1954 at Sacred Heart in East Grand Forks, MN. Roy also attended school there as well as residing in Sioux City, IA, West Fargo, ND and Grand Forks through 1968. He went to Moorhead Technical School for technical studies.

On October 4, 1972, Roy married Suzanna Obregon in Sisseton, ND. They raised two daughters, Tonya and Tamara.

Roy had several jobs which included his first job with Goeson Moving and Storage where he worked alongside his father, Russell. He also worked at ND Missile Sites and later joined the Labor’s Local 580 Union which brought him to Hazen. Through the labor union he worked at Minnkota Power Plant as a labor fire watch for one year, Coyote Creek Mine for three years and the construction of Dakota Gasification Plant in Beulah, ND. He moved on to work for Arrow Creamery in Hazen as well as a bus driver for the city of Hazen. He continued his work with the city and held positions with the street department for five years and the Hazen Water Department for 25 years, retiring in February 2016.

Roy had a passion and love for hunting. He hunted for many years in the Killdeer Mountains, spending time with great friends. He especially enjoyed black powder gun shooting. Roy obtained and filled a moose tag in 2011. He enjoyed fishing, playing softball for Best Western in Beulah, watching television, meeting for coffee and mechanical tinkering on cars. He also had fun making his rounds in the neighborhood always enjoying his neighbors, especially Austin (AJ) and Adam, with the company of an ice cold beer. He would visit Kurt Milbradt’s shop often and enjoyed helping when needed. Roy was “old school” and would pay his bills in person. He would go to the bank to withdraw the money, go to the post office to get money orders for the bills he needed to mail and then he would proceed to the businesses to pay the bill while staying and “catching up” with the employees since his last visit. He was a people person and enjoyed being around others.

Roy was a volunteer firefighter for 24 years for the City of Hazen. He was a member of the Rifle Club, a blood donor since 1984, and FEMA certified to serve in times of crisis. After his passing, he continued to give the gift of life through LifeSource, as an eye and tissue donor.

Roy worked hard and his family was always first. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Suzanna Hayes of Hazen; his children, Tonya (Ryan Chisholm) Simenson of West Fargo, former son-in-law, Michael Simenson of Fargo and Tamara Whitman of Bismarck; his grandchildren, who were his pride and joy, Miranda Rae (Corbin Swain) Tesky, Cole Michael Simenson, Kylie Paige (Ty Kraft) Hayes, Amalia “Molly” Suzanna (Richard Mitchell) Hayes and Brooklyn Suzanna Simenson; his great-grandchildren, Precious N’Cita Hayes, lil man Roy Louis Fredrick Swain and Americkis Rae Swain; his brothers, Randy Michael Hayes, Brian Dale (Roxanne) Hayes, all of East Grand Forks, William Joseph Hayes of McCanna, ND; one sister, Catherine Johanna (Jerry) Thompson of Omaha, NE; one sister-in-law, Cheryl Lynn Hayes of Rogers, MN; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert John Hayes.

A special thanks to the staff at Sakakawea Medical Center, Sakakawea Hospice, Dr. Zimmerman, Kendall Slaubaugh, Lindsay Ahlschlager, all other physicians, nurses, care providers, pharmacists, and those who came to visit, called or reached out in some way. Your love and support is greatly appreciated.

Arrangements are conducted by Barbot Funeral Home, Beulah and Hazen.

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