Robert Joseph Hayes

Robert Joseph Hayes
October 30th 1918 – April 3rd 2013

Robert was born to Dr. and Mrs. James Cresap Hayes in Portland, Oregon. Bob, as he was called by family and friends, was the fifth of eight Hayes children. Bob’s father James was a strong and loving influence on him. As a local physician, civic leader and President of the Oregon Medical Society, he was admired long after his passing and a lifelong source of pride.

Bob graduated from Medford High School and went on to attend the University of Oregon where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. His education was interrupted by World War II and Bob graduated Officer Candidate School as a Second Lieutenant.

As a member of the 90th Infantry, Bob entered the European theater in June of 1944. He fought in Operation Cobra and other battles, was wounded twice and awarded two Purple Hearts. Little else is known about Bob’s war experience, as it was something he rarely chose to discuss the rest of his life.

After the war Bob returned to the University of Oregon to complete his Bachelor’s degree. Upon graduation, he went into the furniture business, where he built a 60 year career.

While living and working in San Francisco, California, in 1950, Bob met his wife Karolyn Kruse. In the mid sixties Bob and Karolyn moved to Lido Island in Newport Beach California and remained there until Karolyn passed away in 2007.

Always gregarious, outspoken and humorous, Bob was much loved and will be greatly missed. He was predeceased by his seven siblings and is survived by his daughter Lucinda (Robert) Contant, Grandson Robert (Jenny) Contant, Jr., Granddaughter Hayley (Matt) McInrue, and two Great Grandsons, Waylon and Hayes Contant.
At Bob’s request, no services will be held.