John Edward Hayes

John Edward Hayes, 68, was born on March 3, 1955, in Spokane, Washington, and passed on August 1, 2023, at the University of Washington Medical Center In Seattle Washington. John was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Dolores Hayes; his maternal grandparents, Edward and Helen Zellmer, and his paternal grandfather F.B. Hayes. John is survived by his sister Elizabeth Hall and husband Rick of Burbank, Washington; brother Richard Hayes and wife Denise of Davenport, Washington; sister Resa Hayes of Spokane Washington; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

John grew up in Davenport and graduated from DHS in 1973. He earned an AA degree from Spokane Falls Community College, a BS in biology from Whitman College, and an MA in microbiology and public health from Washington State University. He worked in Clallam and Jefferson counties for the health department. In 1984, John got his degree in education and became a science teacher. He taught middle school science at Sunnyside and Granger Middle Schools until his retirement in 2021.

John loved all things science. He would go on archaeological digs in the summers, and was a rock hound. He enjoyed reading especially science fiction and fantasy genres, and he had a passion for playing strategy games with friends. John loved his time teaching science and was always quick to share a story of a student’s success. For a time he helped coach middle school football. He especially loved taking students to compete in science fairs. John was a gardener and grew all kinds of vegetables and berries and even canned his own grape juice.

John’s nieces and nephews were the joy of his life. They were all excited for visits from Uncle John. He might bring a science experiment for them to participate in, or a collection of bugs or rocks that they could marvel at. John had a great imagination and the kids enjoyed his stories and the fact that he would get down on the floor and play with them. He was lots of fun! He also gave great gifts!

Over the years, John had lots of cats, mostly strays that he took in. At one time he had 12 cats. They all had interesting names and personalities and he always had a story to share about each one of them.

John’s life had many medical challenges. However, despite everything, John remained cheerful and upbeat. He never complained, and if you asked him how he was doing his answer was almost always, “great!” Where some people saw disappointment and rejection, John saw possibility and hope.

John was a member of the Christian Reformed Church in Sunnyside, Washington; which he attended until his health did not allow him to. He was private about his faith, but he put his faith into action as he was a generous donor to organizations that championed the poor, the ill, and those who could not help themselves.

John we will miss your phone calls to check up on us, your jokes, your extravagant gift giving, and your loud, booming laugh. You were one of a kind and we love you.

There will be a memorial service to remember John on September 30, at 11:00 am at Strate Funeral Home, 505 10th St. Davenport, WA 99122. A lunch will be served afterwards at Trinity Bible Fellowship Church at 1101 1st St. Davenport WA.

Memorial contributions can be made in John’s name to The Union Gospel Mission of Yakima, The American Red Cross, or the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center.