Mr. John Richard Hay

August 24, 1918 - January 4, 2014

John Richard Hay, born August 24, 1918, died Saturday (Jan. 4, 2014) at Lutheran. He grew up in southern Ohio and moved to Detroit, Michigan when he was hired Henry Ford to work in the styling department of Ford Motor Company. He worked at Ford until retirement in 1973. John’s design and engineering expertise were recognized and appreciated by his-workers and Ford executives. John married Shirley Jean Purdie, and they celebrated 62 years of marriage before her death on October 31, 2007. John’s parents, John and Blanche Cherry Hay, and his brother Robert, as well as his daughter, Linda Jean Hay predeceased him. John attended church regularly from childhood until his death. He was an active Mason and Shriner. John was a World War II veteran having served in active military duty with an Engineering Unit overseas. John and his family enjoyed boating and took extended family vacations on their boats. Above all else, John will be remembered for his ability to build and fix anything. He was a gifted craftsman and had a remarkable ability to understand how parts worked. When necessary, John even made the tools required to do the job; he was proud of his extensive metal and wood workshop. John is survived by a son, J. Douglas Hay, daughter-in-law Carol; and by grandsons: John (his wife Carrie) and Jeffrey (his wife Jody). John had three great grandchildren: Shelby, Adyn, and John. A memorial service will be at 9:30 A.M. on Saturday, May 3, 2014 in the Panama United Methodist Church, 22 East Main St., Panama, N.Y. A brunch will follow in the fellowship hall of the church. To send a message to the family, or to light a candle in memory, visit www.presentsixbeyfuneral.com. Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital, 1645 West 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505-5097. Powers, Present & Sixbey Funeral Home is handling arrangements