December 9, 1932 – December 12, 2015
John was born December 9, 1932 in Topeka, KS and died December 12, 2015 in Seattle, at 83 years-old. John, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend was married to his beloved wife, Chermaine, for 60 years. He enjoyed board games, outdoor recreation, family events, card games and sports.
John proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, worked as a postal carrier and then as a USDA food inspector. Following retirement, John became an entrepreneur opening several businesses in Washington and Idaho. In 1989, John opened Hayes Import Inspection Service in Blaine, WA. A year later, he also opened and operated Hayes Chick n-Ribs where they sold his famous BBQ ribs, sauce, and sweet potato pie. In 1996, John sold his Import Inspection business to his son, Tom Hayes, and today, Tom honors his dad’s business legacy as he continues to operate and expand T.C. Trading Company and HLS, Inc., in Blaine.
John is proceeded in death by his daughter Gloria, wife Chermaine and 11 of his siblings. He is survived by his children John Jr., Gordon (Mary), Catherine (Richard), Terence, Thomas (Sonia) and Jason (Ming) and grandchildren Phillip, Mallory, Gordon Jr., Tia, Angelica, Mandy, Michelle, Elizabeth, Terence Jr., Morgan and August and great-grandchild Xavier John.
Services were held in Seattle last week at St. George Catholic Church.
