Donald Richard Hays

Donald "Don" Hays was preceded in death by his mother Dorothy C. Hays, and his father Donald R. Hays, Sr. Don is survived by his loving wife, Leslie "Honey" Hays; children John (Pat) Hays of Omaha, NE; Jodi (JD Alonso) Hays of Omaha, NE; Kathy (Jerry) Linch of League City, TX; step-daughter Leslie (Brent) Baker of Golden, CO; grandchildren Alex (Catherine), Lauren, Tyler, Karney, Kooper, Sarah, Molly, Grayson, Kieran, and MacEwan; and great granddaughter Emma Jean. He is also survived by his first wife, Sally Schneider; brothers Daniel Hays of Corvallis, OR and Douglas Hays of Las Vegas, NV; brother-in-law Edward Cudahy and several nieces and nephews.

Don was born in Lincoln, NE where he attended Lincoln Northeast High School and graduated in 1954. He attended the University of Nebraska where he played football. He graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1960. After graduation he worked at the railroad for several years. Don later decided to attend the University of Nebraska Law School where he earned his law degree in 1966. After graduating from law school Don worked in criminal law for several years. In 1984, Don transitioned into addiction counseling at the Independence Center in Lincoln, NE. He later was offered an opportunity to work at Harmony in Estes Park, CO. He enjoyed Colorado, so this was a dream come true and he therefore moved to Estes Park. He enjoyed watching the wildlife, living in the mountains, and sending pictures to his family. While in Estes Park, he met Leslie "Honey" and they were married in 1992. After he left Estes Park, he continued counseling in NE and AZ. Returning to CO, he provided counseling at CeDar then became the Director of Choice House in Boulder, CO. Don remained active in counseling until recently. At the time of Don's passing, he had 39 consecutive years of sobriety.

Don enjoyed Nebraska football, photography, and hunting. He was passionate about helping people through addiction and was willing to go help anyone who reached out regardless of the time of day or what he was doing at the time. Don enjoyed spending time with his many friends and his family.

Memorials in Don's honor can be made to Guide Dogs for the Blind, PO Box 3950, San Rafael, CA 94912-3950.