Andrew Hayes

Andy (Andrew Gordon) Hayes, 71, of Great Falls, Montana, passed away from pneumonia on December 20, 2016.Andy was born in Elk City, Oklahoma on February 12, 1945, where his father, George Hayes, was serving as a naval surgeon. Andy was the first of four children of George and Florence Craighead Hayes, and after World War II the family moved to Leetsdale, PA, where Andy and his siblings grew up. Andy attended Sewickley Academy and The Kiski School, graduated from Quaker Valley High School, and then went to Lafayette College. He enlisted in the US Army, served in Germany, and received an honorable discharge. After his service he travelled the West, delivered mail, studied Chinese, drove a cab, worked as a lathe operator in a factory, and studied at the University of Pittsburgh, graduating with a BA and a Masters degree in urban planning. He then served as a civilian in the US Air Force as an urban planner at bases near Del Rio, Texas and Great Falls, Montana.Andy was an avid student of history, particularly of the U.S. Civil War, and closely followed current events. His many hobbies included a lifelong passion for railroads and model trains. He was also a skilled amateur photographer and an enthusiastic amateur astronomer. Andy was an independent spirit who lived life on his own terms, a true individual unaffected by superficial social concerns, and a man with few but fast friends.Andy was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Mary Margaret (Mimi.)Survivors include sister Nancy Hayes Kilgore; brother George K.C. Hayes Jr.; niece Elizabeth Shanti Giampa; and great-niece Koa Plante.A family memorial service will be held at a later date.Memorial contributions may be made to the International Rescue Committee. https://www.rescue.org.