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Robert (Bob) Gene Hay

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Robert Gene Hay (Bob) passed away on November 14, 2019. He was born in St. Louis, MO on January 15, 1932 to Robert & Verna Hay.

He is survived by wife Shari and sister Lois Demlong; daughters Sandy Doxtater & Lori (Leese) Stendseng of Milwaukee. His daughter Kathy Krajek and brother in law Art Demlong preceded him to heaven.

He loved his blended family; Robyn Bower, Jill Deorio (Mike) and Jason Sinykin (Julie). His grandchildren gave him so much joy; Terry & Robin Krajek, Katy, Chelsey and Alex Doxtater & Shane Stenseng, Brooke & Dylan Murphy, Jack & Heather Bower, Ethan & Emalynn Sinykin. He has 7 great grandchildren that made him so happy; Jackson & Carson Doxtater (Alex), Mason & Logan Robert (Katy), Ella & Elijah Bower (Jack) and Maggie Fattore (Heather). Bob had many nieces & nephews.

Bob served in the Army during the Korean War in Germany. He swam on the Army swim team and sang in the Army choir. Upon discharge, he worked in a Milwaukee Tannery, which he decided was not for him! He attended Spencerian Business College where he graduated top of his class. His career began in Milwaukee at St. Mary’s Hospital as Chief Financial Officer (C.F.O.). He then moved to Chicago to St. Joseph’s Hospital as C.F.O. His last move was to Phoenix to Phoenix Memorial Hospital as C.F.O. until he retired. He was instrumental in helping to set up the Medicare program. During his working years, he received many honors: ‘Who’s Who in U.S. Executives’, President of the Hospital Financial Management Association & Founders Award and outstanding service of HFMA.

Bob loved to travel! While at St. Joseph’s Hospital, the nuns planned a yearly trip and travel they did! He has been from Labrador to the Galapagos, the ‘Orient Express’ across Russia & China, all of Asia, So. America, Italy, Egypt, Israel, all of the U.S., Canada & Hawaii. We caravanned thru Alaska and did many cruises. Bob was an avid scuba diver and went on several Black Beard cruises. He loved camping, hiking and lapidary, and Silver Club in Sun City. He served 6 years as treasurer of Sun City RV Club and several years as treasurer of the Sun City Library. He sang with the Shriners Glee Club for 25 years. Bob lived life to the fullest and enjoyed every minute of it! He had a great sense of humor! He was a man larger than life! He will be missed by so many loving family and friends. The family requests donations be sent to Hospice of the Valley of Surprise. His memory and antics will always be with us! Rest in Peace my love!

A service will be held 10:30 A.M.. Saturday, December 7, 2019 at Sunland Mortuary, 15826 Del Webb Blvd., Sun City, AZ 85351. The committal service will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 9925 W. Thomas Rd., Avondale, AZ 85392. To leave messages of condolence for the family please visit www.sunlandmemorial.com.