Jerome B. Hayes

passed away February 17th at the age of 81.Known as "Jerry" to friends and family. He was a strong family man and devout Catholic. Born into an Irish family October 12, 1928 in Eugene, Oregon to Clarence (Jack) Anthony Hayes and Loretta Marie Hayes (nee Gaeden). Oldest of three, he is survived by his youngest sister, Jacquelyn Murphy of Portland, Oregon, and preceded in death by his sister, Meredith Burton, and his granddaughter, Jennifer Rebecca Hayes. Survived by the love of his life, his best friend and wife of 54 years, Susan Grace Hayes (nee Lillie) and four children: Jerome Patrick (Pat) Hayes and his wife, Sandra Mae Hayes (nee Richardson), and their eldest daughter Stephanie Allison Hayes and their soon to be born son; Kathleen Angelique Bogner (nee Hayes) and her husband, Douglas Neil Bogner, and their daughters, Emma Claire Bogner and Sarah Grace Bogner; Jeffrey Kevin Hayes and his wife, Tamara Sue Hayes (nee Johnson), and their daughters Riley Sue Hayes and Megan Rebecca Hayes; Erin Marie Hayes and her husband, Richard Alan Berndt, and their sons, Maximilian Hayes Berndt and Alexander Hayes Berndt. He is dearly loved and will be deeply missed - leaving a void that cannot be filled.Class of 1953 graduate of the US Naval Academy, he earned his Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 1960, he attended the Naval Post Graduate School, Monterey, California. He subsequently took a special assignment to the US Naval War College in 1969. While in Newport, Rhode Island he also earned a Master's Degree in International Affairs from George Washington University, in 1970.Jerry was raised in Salem, Oregon, where he worked in the hop fields in the summers (despite being allergic to hops). During his first assignment in the Navy, he met his true love in Charleston, South Carolina. On 15 October 1955 he married Susan, daughter of Dr. Morton Lillie, USN Captain-Retired, and his wife of more than 60 years, Ruth (nee MacFarland). As an officer in the Submarine Service during the diesel era, he served in both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets. He was deployed to Key West, Florida, where Pat and Kathy were born. His next assignment was in Monterey, California, where Jeff was born. He was transferred to San Diego and later was stationed in Alameda, California, where Erin was born. Jerry served on surface ships to include a tour on a US destroyer in the Pacific during the Korean War. His submarine service included his assignments as an Engineering Officer on the USS Trumpetfish and Executive Officer on the USS Catfish. Jerry then took command of the USS Quillback from 1966-1968 in Key West, Florida. While in Alexandria, Virginia, he worked on the plans for the SSN 688 Los Angeles Class Attack and the SSBN 726 Ballistic Missile Class Submarines in Washington, D.C. After he retired from the Navy in 1974, he worked for major defense contractors: Raytheon, IBM, and General Dynamics, during which time he and his family moved to McLean, Virginia. He was delighted to accept an assignment with General Dynamics Electric Boat Division to return to his beloved Northwest to become the company's On-Site Manager for the Bangor Trident Nuclear Submarine Program. Eighteen years later, they were happy to finally reach their retirement years. Susan and Jerry often joked that now she had twice the husband and half the pay. He was a member of Saint Cecilia Catholic Church on Bainbridge Island, Washington, since 1978 where he served in several different capacities: usher, youth ministry, and parish council. He was also active in the Poulsbo Rotary Club where he served as President (1983-1984) and was a Paul Harris Fellow. He led various fund raising efforts and hosted an international exchange student from Brazil. Later Jerry and his wife worked as volunteers for the Interfaith Care Givers ferrying patients to and from medical appointments. Also as part of Interfaith Care Givers, Jerry helped Susan, who was known as the "Flower Lady" for many years. They collected donated flowers placed at Winslow Hardware by Island residents sharing the bounty from their beautiful gardens. Jerry & Susan distributed them to the homebound across the Island. Susan wrapped the flowers in tissue and tied them with ribbons; Jerry's job was to cut off the thorns. He loved spending time with his family. Jerry was, at heart, a Do-It-Yourself handyman working on cars and homes alike. He particularly enjoyed homeownership and worked endlessly to improve the family home. He finished the basement and built the deck in Alexandria, constructed a fountain in McLean, and carved out his Crow's Nest respite from their Bill Point hillside home on Bainbridge. He served on the Bainbridge Island Bill Point Tree Committee for years (deftly handling delicate negotiations between neighbors, balancing the need to maintain views of Seattle while also maintaining the natural green, which is at the heart of every Northwesterner). He loved taking care of his lawn. In fact, even in a city known for its rainfall, he installed an in-ground sprinkler system to maintain its pristine condition. His tender care paid off as the lawn at Bill Point provided hours of summer time pleasure when family would gather and play endless rounds of Bocci Ball on its level and smooth expanse. Jerry lovingly cared for their large family home in Bill Point for 25 years until they downsized to a condo at The Winslow. The condominium was not only easier to maintain but its downtown location was within easy walking distance for most of their needs.He was a strong family man with a softspot for his pets. When the children were little he enjoyed taking them camping or to the beach. After retirement he and Susan enjoyed traveling. They took several cruises to include trips to Alaska, the Panama Canal and the Mediterranean. On their 50th Anniversary they traveled through the Black Sea from Athens to Rome. Later in life, he particularly enjoyed a short trip with Susan to Mount Rushmore. He loved music, especially classical and jazz. His favorite album was "Whipped Cream and other Delights" by the Tijuana Brass. He and Susan enjoyed golf, though people often wanted to play through. He faithfully made brunch on Sundays after church and was a master at outdoor grilling in any weather. The world over, his steaks could not be matched. Jerry suffered terribly from the cruelty of Alzheimer's disease. We are deeply grateful to all those who devote their life's work to attending to the sick and dying, especially: Winslow Clinic, Alzheimer's of Washington, Harbor House, and Hospice of Kitsap County. Donations can be made in Jerry's name to the Alzheimer's Association.Active Duty Assignments:1954 USS Kyes (DD-787)1955-1957 USS Trumpetfish (SS-425)1958- 1959 USS Guavina (AOSS-362)1960-1961 US Naval Post Graduate School 1961 USS Diodon (SS-349)1961-1962 USS Catfish (SS-339)1962 USS Salmon (SS-573)1962-1964 USS Catfish (SS-339)1964-1965 Twelfth Naval District-Treasure Island1965-1968 USS Quillback (SS-424)1968-1970 US Naval War College1970-1974 US Naval Shipyard 1 June 1974 Retired During his career, he held a FINAL TOP SECRET CRYPTOGRAPHIC ClearanceFamily and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visitation on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 from 5-7 PM at St. Cecilia Catholic Church on Bainbridge Island. The Recitation of The Rosary will begin at 10:30 AM, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 25, 2010 at the church. A reception will follow at the Church Conger Hall. Final Military Honors and interment will take place on Friday, February 26, 2010 at 11:15 AM at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA.