Michael Hays

Michael L. Hays, age 60, of Quakertown, Pennsylvania, passed away on October 14, 2023, at Grand View Hospital in Sellersville, PA. Born in York, PA, he was the son of Robert Hays and Nancy Bartoli Hays of Feasterville.

He is survived by Lori Hays (Spouse), Steven Hays (Brother), Nancy Doyle (Sister), Christopher Hays (Brother), Barbara McKenna (Sister), Patrick Hays (Brother), Thomas Hays (Brother), Joseph Hays (Brother). Mike is also survived by his two Cornish Rex's Mr. Bennie Ru (Cat) and Miss Charcoal Smudge (Cat)

Michael graduated from Neshaminy High School in Langhorne, PA as part of the class of 1981. He worked in the printing industry for over 35 years where he met his wife. They were launched into marriage by a zip line across a pond on a fine fall day in 2005. Mike was mother approved, son-in-law material and loved by his new family. He celebrated their anniversary with as large a party as could be managed.

Although he wasn't looking for land, he found an ideal plot in the local Penny Power. A year later a house was built, brought to life from Mikes sketches. He was the visionary chief designer and Lori was the "get it done" supervisor. What resulted is a one-of-a-kind home with a few quirks because...you don't know what you don't know. The motto was "If we could survive building a house together, we could get through anything."

Mike enjoyed working in the yard, building stone walls and benches, and arbor from trees on the property. He also created tree faces to sit among the land. The cool nights spent around the stone fire pit with friends and family were among his favorites.

Mike led a happy and active lifestyle.

As a kid he played little league, and later played softball in bar and church leagues until 2019. Playing with an amazing group of talented guys they won the Trentonian in 2006

Starting in 2000's he played volleyball with his wife through the Pennridge adult evening program two days a week. His lanky frame and height were put to good use and made him "one of the guys" to wanted one your team.

Kayaking was also one of his fun activities, but biking was special. Mike's blue bike was an aspirational gift from his family after battling cancer at an early age. He introduced biking for fun and not transportation to his wife. Togather the they enjoyed biking the towpath, all around Haycock, Lake Nockamixon, and Perkasie. With a lot of training and some help from friends he completed the City to the Shore ride. In 2022 he purchased an eBike and regained his love of the road.

Mikes friends and family had a longstanding ski weekend tradition that started in January of 1991. They celebrated their 25th gathering with a trip to Colorado. Ask Lori how that one went

Every year Mike looked forward to the Hazy Boys Weekend which started in 2003. Its motto is "What happens on the mountain stays on the mountain." The time spent together was an important lesson to his numerous nephews of what to do, or not do. Mike demonstrated the same lessons to his beloved nieces. Family reunions and get-togethers is where Mike really shined with of a combination charm, sarcasm, and quick wit he was easily a favorite at every party.

Mikes love of long walks and hikes led to travel in Europe where he visited the Jungfraujoch glacier and reached an altitude of 11,362' that no man with a lung condition should attempt. In Hawaii he visited the Na Pali cliffs of Kauai and on Maui he jeeped the Road to Hanna. He hiked along the volcanoes on the Big Island.

A Christmas gift in 2009 began the jeep years. It spread like wildfire. Soon friends and family joined the adventure, yielding nerve-racking fun-ness in every trip. Places visited included:

• Catskills, NY

• Shamokin, PA

• Laurel Highlands, PA

• Bradford, PA

• Greenbrire, WV

• Moab, UT

• Bethel, ME

• Drummond Island, MI

• Oak Ridge, TN

Each trip was an adventure on and off the trail.

In 2020 Mike and Lori took up oil painting a-la Bob Ross to pass the long winter lockdown days. On Sunday afternoons three plus hours were spent attempting to recreate what took Bob 30 minutes to conger. Each attempt included stopping, rewinding, and expletives... but the results were amazing. Who knew that Mike could paint so well!

The greatest thing about Mike was his gentle heart hidden under the wise cracking, exterior. While shy at first, he slowly emerged from his cocoon, eventually flying about and encircling you with his charm. Sadly, like many others he flew into the light far too soon. Thank you to all who made his life one well lived!

All are invited on Friday, October 27, 2023 to Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, 135 W. Pumping Station Rd., Quakertown, PA 18951 to a visitation from 10am-12pm and a memorial service at 12pm. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Michael's memory can be made to the American Lung Association at https://www.lung.org/.

To view his online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com.