Leonard "Len" Hayes

     Leonard Lee Hayes of Weymouth, passed away at age 95, on April 20, 2023. Len was born a
vibrant redhead on July 13, 1927, in Elizabeth, NJ. He was the only son of Lawrence Hayes
and his wife, Florence, also a redhead. Len’s family included his Aunt Gertrude Leonard Cox.
Len lived with his grandparents, which included Harry Leonard, who started the Leonard
Laundry. Len was involved with running the laundry along with his father and grandfather. Len
was raised in NJ, where he was an active athlete, running track and playing basketball in high
school. During summers he attended a prestigious camp in Rangely, ME, first as a camper and
then as a counselor. He attended Pingree High School for his senior year. Leonard enlisted in
the Navy during World War II in 1945. After basic training, he was stationed at Norfolk, VA,
where he was honorably discharged as a petty officer. Leonard had been selected for officer
training school, but the war had ended.

     Leonard attended Colgate University in Hamilton NY. He majored in Psychology and was active
in the ATO Fraternity. Len met his future wife at Colgate where she worked in the Bursar’s
Office. After Len graduated, he married Priscilla Meszler. He worked at General Electric in
business management from1950 until retirement. Len and Priscilla moved to Waynesboro, VA
where their sons, Terry Alan and Gary Bruce, were born. Len coached Little League baseball
after work and loved to bowl. He was active with the Waynesboro Presbyterian church.
Len was promoted through GE, which involved moving his family to Tacoma, WA, Clifton Knolls,
NY, and then Fitchburg, MA. He became active in golf, and an avid sports fan. He continued to
be involved with church everywhere he lived. He also continued to gather friendships which
lasted his lifetime.

     Len demonstrated unquestioning loyalty and support to family and friends alike. Family
friendships formed in Waynesboro lasted his lifetime. He was shy but engaging with humor and
warmth. He liked to make people smile. He was happy with his long life and adventures by his
own self report.

     Len retired and moved to Bedford, NH to be near his son Gary and his wife Margaret Oot, and
their sons Garrison, also a redhead, and Christian. Len’s grandsons were his full-time hobby.
Len was actively involved with Terry’s private practice throughout his life. After his wife Priscilla
passed, he moved to Weymouth, MA. He joined the Old South UCC Church, and enjoyed the
Bible study group and Sunday services. He remained a Red Sox fan, but his heart was always
with Colgate.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a memorial service for Len on Monday, May 1, 2023, at 11am, at The Old South Union Church, located at 25 Columbian St, South Weymouth, MA. An additional memorial service will be held for Len on Monday, May 8, 2023, at 11am, at The Bedford Presbyterian Church, located at 4 Church Rd. Bedford, NH.