Jeffrey Dennis Hay

Jeffrey Dennis Hay

Jeff Hay passed away unexpectedly January 19th at his home in Portage, Michigan from complications following a recent surgery. He was 54 years old.

Jeff Hay had a powerful presence.

He was a husband, father, colleague and friend.

He was funny, engaging, articulate and the epitome of a team player. He knew when to speak up and when to let others do the talking and he never asked more from others, than what he was willing to do himself.

He was born April 25, 1967 to Dennis and Rita (Gilbert) Hay of Bellevue, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents Ernest and Doris (Eisenhauer) Gilbert and Leon and Rosemarie (Hipp) Hay.

He graduated from The Ohio State University in 1990. He was president of the Delta Theta Sigma fraternity. He fulfilled his lifelong ambition of having an impactful career in the animal health industry working as a Senior Account Strategist for Zoetis Animal Health.

He married Joyce Ellen Scott of Tontogany, Ohio on March 23, 1991. His daughter Taylor Ellen was born February 2, 2009.

Jeff was passionate about his hunting and fishing antique collection and enjoyed a vibrant community of like-minded friends from all over North America. The family hopes to celebrate his life with these friends in March.

Besides his wife and daughter, he is survived by: his sister, Jodi (Chuck) Gaietto of Tiffin, Ohio; his aunt Pam (Dan) Verhoff of Bellevue, Ohio; his special cousin, Brian (Deb) Eisenhauer; In-laws Bernard and Jean (Mattingly) Scott of Tontogany, Ohio; Selene (Jim) Bostdorff of Bowling Green, Ohio; Gary (Lauri) Scott of Gastonia, NC, Alan (Monica) Scott of Menomonie, WI, Jill (John) Beach of Haskins, Ohio, Dasa (Matt) Dziewa of Haskins, Ohio and Sara (Craig) Brown of Botkins, Ohio. He is survived by 19 nieces and nephews, including his favorite euchre partner, Andrew. Sadly, nephew Ethan preceded him in death.

Jeff's life will be celebrated on February 3rd, 2022 at Hope Reformed Church, 910 Jenks Boulevard, Kalamazoo MI 49006. Visitation starts at 9 AM, followed by an 11 AM service and luncheon in the fellowship hall. To view the livestream of the service https://fb.me/e/1ilGMUNap

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution in his name to your own local 4-H or FFA. He believed strongly in these youth development organizations.

Please share stories of Jeff's impact on your lives for Taylor to cherish; Fatherly advice, funny stories and interesting adventures welcomed.