Richard Hays

Richard Lynn (Rich) Hays, an artist living in Blue Springs, was a sign painter for 30 years in the Kansas City area. He was a man’s man with a strong sense of self and personal integrity. Rich was born on March 16, 1940, and died October 5, 2006. He is survived by his wife Debby; sons David Hays and wife Angie, Jeff Hays and wife Rennae; grandson Derek Hays; sister Barbara Bell and husband Paul; brother Ed Hays and wife Brenda; mother-in-law, Betty Meredith; sisterin-law, Sue Carrel and husband Leo; loving nieces and nephews, and a special friend, Theresa Wright. Rich, through his award-winning portraits, endeavored to touch others’ lives- one person at a time. After a work-related spinal cord injury in 1995, he continued to teach all of us how to face adversity with grace, gentleness and dignity. A celebration of Rich’s life will be held Sunday, October 8, at 3:11 p.m., in his favorite place–the backyard of his home. Donations may be made to: PET, 1914 Heriford Dr., Columbia, MO 65202-1940, or Hospice, 7611 State Line Road, Suite 200, Kansas City, MO 64114