Leslie Edward Hays passed away November 8, 2019 at the age of 83 surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Marilyn for 61 years; devoted father of Les (Jeri), Jeff (Sue), and Julie (Paul) Pyles; cherished Papa of Danielle (Ryan) Ploetz, Jamie (Philip) Priddy, Ryan Hays, Kristen (Sean) Bednarsh, Samantha (Adam) Davidson, Alex (Jessica Kilmer) Hays, and Kaitlin Pyles; and caring great grandfather of Evan Priddy and Charlotte Ploetz. He is the dear brother of Carole Hays (friend Betty Cox) and the late Mary (late Buzz) Hansen and brother-in-law of Connie (Kenneth) LaBenne and Bill (Ellen) Shroyer. Les also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

Les was born on May 16, 1936 in Detroit, Michigan to Ruby and Dorothy Hays. He spent his childhood in Dearborn before attending Michigan State University from which he received a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering. Les married Marilyn Shroyer in 1958 and the two were soon blessed with three children; Leslie, Jeff, and Julie and from their love bloomed 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Les retired at the age of 57 after many years of dedication to Eaton Corporation as a well-respected Metallurgical Engineer, Director Program Development, Corporate R & D and the pair set out on their adventures. Les and Marilyn travelled with family and friends out west, enjoyed gambling in Las Vegas; annual Florida vacations and all over the United States, even visiting Alaska and Hawaii.

Les was a huge MSU fan and loved attending Red Wings games. He and Marilyn frequented their cabin in Gaylord where their family and friends gathered to make awesome memories. He and his sons hosted annual men’s golf outings, enjoyed snowmobiling, beach visits, card games and the quiet beauty of up north MI.

He was a great artist and drew many pictures of woodland animals, sought out estate sales, was an antique collector, tinkerer and gardener.

Les was a quiet man that appreciated taking the road less traveled.  He had the best attitude, always happy and ready to be silly with his grandkids and say a joke. Les was proud of his family and loved the time he spent with them. He was an outstanding husband, father, and Papa. Les’ love and influence will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A Memorial Gathering for Les will be held Monday, November 11th, from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. at McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills. Gathering will continue Tuesday, November 12th, at 10:30 a.m. until the time of his Memorial Service at 11 a.m. at McCabe Funeral Home. A luncheon will immediately follow, details will be announced at the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and Heart to Heart Hospice in his name.