William F. (Bill) Hayes, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, lost his short battle with cancer and passed away at home surrounded by his family on September 5, 2011 at the age of 83.

Bill was born to William and Mary Hayes on December 5, 1927 in Philadelphia, PA. He spent his childhood there, graduated from high school, and was then drafted into the Army. Bill served a tour of duty in the Philippines during WWII and was honorably discharged, forever proud of his service to his country.

Bill received his Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from Villanova University in Pennsylvania and then moved to the west coast to begin his life in Southern California. Bill and Trudy met in Alhambra, were married in 1957, and have enjoyed 54 wonderful years of marriage together. Bill and Trudy moved to the Oxnard area in 1967 when Bill became employed as an Electronics Engineer by the Naval Ship Weapon Systems Engineering Station (NSWSES) at Pt. Hueneme Naval Station where he enjoyed a long career, retiring 25 years ago.

Bill was an accomplished private pilot, providing his family with many wonderful vacations around the country by plane. He was an avid traveler and he and Trudy traveled to all the places around the world they had desired to visit. Bill was a life-long scholar and lover of all things scientific and mathematical and had a deep passion for classical music. Bill enjoyed a long and happy retirement in his garden, at his computer and with his family. Bill was a member of Santa Clara Catholic Church, serving as a Lector for many years while Trudy served as Organist. Bill was proudest of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and will be forever missed by them. He was a big personality and his humor and intelligence were well known. He loved to communicate with friends and family and spent time maintaining those contacts.

Bill is survived by his wife Trudy Hayes, his children Rita Hayes-Thompson (Kenneth) and Steven Hayes (Kris); his grandchildren Douglas Hayes (Veronica), Joshua Hayes, and Daniel Thompson and two great-grandchildren, Briana and William. Bill is also survived by his sister Josephine (Hayes) Farley of Philadelphia, PA, brother-in-law Raymond, and niece and nephew Peggy Bondi and Raymond Farley and families.

Bill's family wishes to convey our deepest thanks to his physicians Dr. Josephine Soliz who helped him to make this journey and to Dr. Raj Bhatia. Our appreciation also goes to Livingston Memorial Hospice for their assistance and to Bill's extraordinary hospice team, Michelle, Julie, and Carrie. Thanks also to the Sister Servants of Mary for their care.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, September 12, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Santa Clara Church, 323 South E Street, Oxnard, CA. Interment will follow at Santa Clara Cemetery, 2370 North H Street, Oxnard, CA. There will be a small gathering for family and friends at Santa Clara Parish Hall immediately following.