Dominique Hayet

Dominique Hayet was a natural leader whose presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Dominique always sought out the scene of where the action was sociable, analytical and pleasant, Dominique was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

Dominique was born on June 28, 1935 in Mendionde, France. His parents were Bernard and Stephanie Hayet, who raised him on a farm in Mendionde, France. Always able to express himself well, Dominique was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Dominique was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

Blessed with a balanced attitude, Dominique was able to relate well with others. His occasional role as family mediator gave him the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Dominique was raised with six siblings, two sisters Anny and Marie, four brothers Bernard, Pierre, Jean and Jean Baptiste. He had a strong desire to be treated fairly as well as readily offer others the same fairness in return.

As a young child, Dominique showed his creative ability in many ways. With an outgoing and animated personality, he enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. He took part in stick ball, kickball and bicycling. In his spare time he liked fishing and hunting.

Known to others as a focused, logical and somewhat driven individual, Dominique was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in school. His curious nature was spurred by his ability to maximize his personal learning style through employing a hands-on approach. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorites among classes and teachers. His favorite high school classes were math and history.

On September 21, 1963 Dominique exchanged wedding vows with Josefa Azcarraga Ariztia at the San Salvador de Urdax of Pamplona church in Spain. Dominique was attentive to Josefa's feelings, as he charmed her and others with his gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Dominique was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship.

Very much like a kid himself, Dominique identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his child's personality. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his child acquire added common sense skills. Dominique was blessed with one son, Michel. He was also blessed with two grandchildren, Dominique and Alexander.

Dominique was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Dominique’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, he was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Dominique could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was custom cabinetry. After leaving France and moving to the United States he was employed for 12 years at Tweet & Gambrel and was a partner at Leo Kruse Cabinets for 21 years.

Dominique enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. His favorite pursuits were wood working, collecting repairing clocks, electronics & timers. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Dominique held close traditional values, and as a result faith was important to him. He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church for 52 years. During that time, he was a Eucharistic Minister, Head Usher, participated in Senior Activities, the Holy Trinity Food Bank, and helped with the facilities.

Dominique was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Dominique’s favorites was Lilly, a short hair cat, and most recently the family dog Sheba, a loving Puggle.

When Dominique’s retirement finally came in 1998, he was well prepared. He used logical analysis of his retirement options in order to ensure his retirement would be fulfilling. Still, he was able to easily adapt to possible changes and enjoyed just having fun and being relaxed. In retirement, he found new pleasure in dedicating himself to be active in church, volunteering in many activities @ Holy Trinity Catholic Church & School.

Dominique passed away on May 23, 2016 in El Cajon, CA. He fought a tough battle with a chronic back injury. He is survived by his son Michel, grandchildren Dominique and Alexander, daughter-in-law Valerie, and brothers Jean Baptiste and Pierre. Services were held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Dominique was laid to rest in El Cajon Cemetery in El Cajon, CA.

Dominique was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes, and stories. If Dominique had a theme song written about him, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it.

This is how everyone will remember Dominique Hayet.