John Hays Obituary

John Collins Hays passed away on July 26, 2005, in Colorado Springs. John was born October 2, 1919 in St. Paul, Minnesota, the son of Albert and Mary (Collins) Hays. John's father was involved in commercial real estate and was a major benefactor of civic programs in the St. Paul community including the first fire station and first opera house. John grew up in St. Paul where he attended public school through the eighth grade, and from the 9th through 12th grades, attended private school at Cretin Hall. In 1943, John graduated magna cum laude from the University of Minnesota Medical School. That same year, he married Beverly Ann Rydeen of Stillwater, Minnesota. He began his residency at Minneapolis General Hospital, served in the Army for two years, and returned to Minnesota to complete his residency at Minneapolis V.A. Hospital. In 1948, John joined the staff of Miller Hospital specializing in internal medicine. John moved his family to Colorado Springs in 1951, joining the Colorado Springs Medical Center, and was elected to the American College of Cardiology in 1960. He established a private practice in 1978 and retired in 1987. John was a member of the American Medical Association, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, and the Colorado Heart Association Board. During his retirement, John provided medical services to the Myron Stratton Home and Pikes Peak Hospice. John will be remembered not only as a loving husband and father, but also as one of the best medical diagnosticians to serve the Colorado Springs community. John was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Dr. Albert T. Hays. He is survived by his wife, Beverly; his sons: Jack, Mark and Keith; and his grandson, Andrew. Services will be held on Saturday, July 30th, at 4:00 p.m. at Chapel of our Savior Episcopal Church, 4th and Polo, Colorado Springs. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pikes Peak Hospice, 825 East Pikes Peak Avenue, Suite 600, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.