Worked with Frank during his time in Alaska. I'm sorry to see that he passed. His passion for the NPS and the Western Arctic Parks showed and he became someone I admired. 

My condolences to his family

Keith Mitchell
Assistant Fire Management Officer 
Alaska Western Area Fire Management

I never meet Frank in person. But, I had several conversations with him on the phone. Frank offered me a seasonal re-veg position at the Grand Canyon back in 1997 or 98. I remember him describing how much he loved working at the canyon and that his wife was a teacher at the school. I ended up turning down the position. For we were not ready to cut the ties to our hometown. But, I now work for the Park Service at the Grand Canyon and my wife is a teacher at the school.  My wife and I fell in love with the west. And in a way I feel that Frank may have introduced me to that love.

I had the pleasure of working with Frank while he worked in Kotzebue.  He had a passion for our parks and the Inupiaq people of this region.  He looked to protect the parks and the subsistence needs of the people, something that is not easily done.  I will miss working with him.  My condolences to his family.

Thank you so much to everyone who has reached out to us during this difficult time.  The love and support has made all the difference.  I am humbled and grateful at the number of people who attended his service yesterday.  I know my dad would feel the same way.  Our family deeply appreciates everything that everyone has done.

Brian, Matt and Sarah, my deepest sympathies for the loss of your father Frank, he was a great human being and I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. I met Frank when I moved to Grand Canyon in 1998. I was new to the NPS and was tasked with starting an environmental education program; I sought out Frank's advice and guidance on how to go about building a program from scratch, as he had so successfully done with the vegetation program. He freely shared his experience, knowledge and kindness and with his help we developed some great programs which are still in place. Frank was a mentor and a friend and I was fortunate, and honored, to have seen him in December when he showed up at my retirement party. We had a great chat, I just never imagined it would be our last. Frank was a great person who made a difference on this planet, he truly left it better than when he arrived. Rest in Peace Frank.

I worked with Frank at the Western Arctic Parklands in Kotzebue Alaska.  He was a man who was passionate about his work and truly lived an adventurous life.  My heart goes out to Norma and the rest of Frank's family.  I am deeply sorry for your loss.  He will be missed as a friend and colleague.    
                                                                                         Lian Li (Montgomery, AL)

I am so sorry for the loss of your father Frank. I worked with him in the Philadelphia Office and I was shocked and sadden to hear of his passing.  You and your family are in my prayers during this difficult time. 
Kim S.

For someone just starting out in the Park Service, Frank was an excellent role model.  Truly dedicated, incredibly hard working, but also looking for the fun in every situation.  I always thought I'd be working for Frank again someday, probably when he became Director, and I felt good about that.  He left us too soon for that to happen, but his influence will live on through all our lives.  

Kurt Foote
Natural Resource Management Specialist
Fort Matanzas National Monument

I had the pleasure of working with Frank on the design and construction of the Manzanar Visitor Center, and became good friends in the process.  I am sorry that I never got to work with him after he left Manzanar.  He was a truly great guy and will be missed.  So sorry for your loss.

I loved Frank as a brother. We first met when he was in Hawaii. I hope we all try to fulfill his wishes on making a better world. I will try my best to do that.

I had the privilege of working with Frank in the eastern Sierra when he was managing and resurrecting Manzanar. He was just a great guy, very much involved in the community and so passionate about honoring the true story of that place.  He will be sorely missed but his great work will live on forever. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.

There aren't the words to describe how much Frank will be missed.  His integrity and passion and leadership at work were surpassed only by his humor and ability to bring people together for a common goal.  He was a great influence in my work , both as a steward of the resources we protect and the outstanding leadership he demonstrated.  I will miss the opportunity to call him a colleague and a friend each and every day.

The hardest part about working with a really wonderful person is saying goodbye. Frank was the ultimate fighter for our national parks - he was quiet and patient but relentless in the battle to protect these sacred places in our country. He was smart and funny and kind and a pleasure to work alongside. It was a honor to be on the same team.

Please accept my sincerest condolences. When I first started work in Philadelphia last year Frank went out of his way to introduce himself and made me feel welcome.

This was a huge loss for the National Park Service and our planet.  I was honored to work with Frank for the last few years, and his passion and strength supported so many of us in our work.  I will miss his kindness and understanding most of all.

I was deeply saddened by the news of Frank's passing. His passion for our Nation's history and preservation were unmatched. I am honored to have served beside him. On behalf of the Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, I extend heartfelt condolences.

I extend my condolences to Frank's immediate family and his friends regarding his passing. He was a great guy who brought passion and knowledge to his work. In addition, he mentored and collaborated with diverse colleagues, helping us to develop strategies for managing complex projects. I will always remember Frank fondly, and reflect on the wisdom and unique perspectives he shared with me during our discussions.

I will keep the family in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this bereavement period.

Warmest regards,

It was an honor to have worked with Frank. He was a man of integrity and his sense of caring for the people he worked with always shined through. His sudden passing is a great loss. I wish peace for his family.

Stephen Haller
Chief of Cultural Resources
Golden Gate National Recreation Area

OBITUARY

Frank Robert Hays

2 May, 1958 – 3 March, 2017

East Lawn Palms Mortuary & Cemetery

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