Lester Hayt

Les died on April 3, 2015. He was born on October 30, 1916 in Phoenix, Arizona to Edith Schrab Hayt and Walter J. Hayt. He was a student at Adams, McKinley and Monroe grade schools and graduated from Phoenix Union High School in 1934. He went on to attend Phoenix College and graduated in 1936, 4th in a class of 265 students. The following year he enrolled at the University of Arizona in Tucson, where he worked and attended for three years. He graduated from the College of Law in 1940 at the age of 23. He passed the Arizona Bar exam before he graduated from law school and was actually admitted to practice before graduation. In 1942 he married Eloise Giffin, also of Phoenix. Shortly thereafter, he was invited to join the United States Army and spent most of his military career in Europe. He was a part of General Patton's Third Army, working in the 58th General Field Hospital. After the war, he remained in Europe as Chief of the Review Section at the Munich Military Post. His wife joined him and two of his children - Les, Jr. and Nancy were born in Munich. They returned to Phoenix in 1951 where his third child Michelle was born. At that time he was employed by the Office of Price Stabilization as a Special Assistant United States Attorney. He returned to private practice in 1953. In 1967 he was president of the Maricopa County Bar Association. He was also president of the American Trial Lawyers Association of Phoenix, and later president of the American Trial Lawyers Association of Arizona. In 1968 he commenced a part-time practice in Sun City, Arizona. He later closed his office in Phoenix, and practiced full-time in Sun City, until 2006. He was a member of the Arizona Bar Association for over 75 years and at the time of his death, was the oldest member! Les and his wife, Eloise, loved to travel, and went all over the world with their family and many friends. They also enjoyed spending time at their cabin near Kohl's Ranch, where Les kept his horses during the summer. He would take anyone willing on rides or hikes on the many trails nearby. He was a native Phoenician and truly loved the state of Arizona and all its splendors. In his high school and college days he worked as a camp counselor and then as a surveyor's assistant and so would spend his summers outdoors in various parts of the state. Thus his appreciation of the beauty and many recreational opportunities Arizona offered, which he passed on to his children. Les was a generous, kind and intelligent man. He was loved and respected by his family, friends and colleagues. He was an exceptional husband to Eloise for over 70 years, taking great pride in her accomplishments, her courage and her strength. He was a loving father to Les, Nancy and Michelle, and a wonderful grandfather to Anthony, Corey and Casey. His wise council, humor and generous nature will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He was truly an extraordinary man. He is preceded in death by his mother Edith Hayt, his sister Gail Hall, and his beloved wife, Eloise. He is survived by his children Les Hayt, Jr. (Suzanne) of Tucson, Nancy Lewis (Ted) and Michelle Grace of Phoenix; grandchildren Anthony Hayt (Cassie), Corey Lewis (Jennifer), and Casey Brand (Matt), and four great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to "The Ellie and Les Hayt Family Foundation" (501 (c)(3), 902 West Palm Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85007, Hospice of the Valley, or charity of choice. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, April 17, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Hansen Mortuary, 8314 N. 7th Street, Phoenix.

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