Obituary of Gordon J. Hayes

Brant Lake:

 

Gordon James Hayes Sr, 82, of Horicon, went to be with the Lord, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, March 15th, 2025 following a long illness.

 

Born on April 25, 1942, at a family home in Horicon, Gordon was the 3rd son of the late Roger & Nellie Hayes. He attended and graduated from Horicon Central School in 1962. After graduating high-school, Gordon enlisted in the military and served in the United States Army for 3 years, from 1962-1965, most of that time being stationed at Fort Eustis, VA.

 

Gordon married the love of his life, Theresa ‘Terri’ Ann Smith in November of 1963, and they walked faithfully together down life's path until his passing. Together they had 2 sons, Gordon ‘Buddy’ James Hayes, Jr and William ‘Bill’ Jay Hayes.

 

Once he left the Army, Gordon and his young family returned home to Warrensburg where he built their 1st home and he went to work at Sandy Hill Iron & Brass in Hudson Falls. From there, Gordon worked for Mickey Durway, where he learned wood-working and assembling many different kinds of decorative shelving, frames, mirrors, etc. Some of the pieces he made are still hanging on the walls of their home today. Gordon also worked for various home-building contractors until the mid-80's, when he started his own business, ‘Pine Hill Construction’ and built many homes in the area with his son, Bill, by his side. Eventually, he also hired on his grandson, Greg, to learn the trade as well. One of the homes he built on Brant Lake, known for its unique ‘pizza-wedge’ shape, was featured on a national TV show called ‘Lakefront Bargain Hunt’ (season 1,episode 9).

 

Gordon was a long-time member of Horicon Baptist Church, and his faith and the Bible were very important to him. He also enjoyed reading books, watching westerns, walking into Pharaoh Lake, visiting his family, especially at their yearly reunions, and of course, he treasured the times he got to spend with his grand- and great-grandkids. He also dearly loved and missed their little Pomeranian dog, Garcia.

 

Gordon now rejoices in heaven with those who have passed on before him, including both of his parents, Roger & Nellie, 2 brothers, Grant & Gerald, and his oldest son, ‘Buddy’.

 

Left to treasure his memory are his wife of 61 years, Terri, son Bill (Jo Ann Rooker), daughter-in-law Kelly (Bolton) Hayes, grandkids Sara (Adam) DeBuque, Jacey Hayes, Greg (Missy) Hayes, Logan Hayes, Leah Hayes, and bonus-granddaughter, Danielle Schenk. Gordon is also survived by 11 great-grandkids, who he loved tremendously; 2 brothers, Gary (Gail) Hayes & Ed (Sandy) Hayes, and 1 sister, Susan (John) Wilkes; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

 

Gordon's family would like to especially thank Renee & Patty from High Peaks Hospice, as well as their daughter-in-law, Jo Ann, for the amazing care they provided to him in his last few months here on earth.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be conducted at 11 am, Friday, March 28, 2025 at the Horicon Baptist Church, 6616 NY-8, Brant Lake, NY 12815.

 

A reception will follow at the Horicon Fire Department.

 

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations in Gordon's name may be made to: High Peaks Hospice, 1247 Dix Ave., Hudson Falls, NY 12839 or to the Horicon Baptist Church, P.O Box 124, Brant Lake, NY 12815.

 

Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guest book and condolences.