William Hays Obituary

William "Bill" Charlton Hays, of Bedford, MA, formerly of Lexington, died on September 23, at the age of 92.

Bill is survived by his wife of 69 years, Susanne Whitcomb Hays; daughter Karen and her husband Spencer of North Easton, their sons Henry and Avery and his wife Anna and their children Esme and Holden; son Andrew and his wife Ellen, their sons William and Jackson of Atascadero, CA; son Peter, his wife Sharon of Medford, MA and their sons Benjamin and Owen; and his brother Stephen of Springfield, MA. He was predeceased by his brother David.

Growing up in Waltham, Bill attended Waltham High School, attended Bowdoin College, and Harvard Law School.  He served as a First Lieutenant in the U. S. Army Engineers in Germany.

Bill was an Attorney in Boston for more than 50 years with Holland, Johnson and Hays, and then with Hays and Skerry. He lived in Lexington for 60 years and was active in many town activities.  In 2016, he was awarded Lexington’s Minuteman Cane in recognition of many years spent working with LexHAB, Dana Home, Re-Place and others. He and Susanne were active at Hancock Church. He and Susanne moved to Carleton-Willard Village in 2021, where he had enjoyed being a Trustee for many years.

Bill volunteered his time at the Appalachian Mountain Club. He especially enjoyed the friends he made through his volunteer activities.

Bill enjoyed an active life, spending time bicycling, hiking.  He and Susanne climbed New Hampshire’s 4,000 footers, and enjoyed active hiking trips in New England, California, Europe and New Zealand.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 11, at 2 P.M. at Carleton-Willard Village, 100 Old Billerica Road, Bedford, MA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Appalachian Mountain Club, 10 City Square, Ste 2, Boston, MA 02129.