Bill Text: AZ SCR1007 | 2017 | Fifty-third Legislature 1st Regular | Enrolled
Bill Title: Death resolution; John Hays
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 47-29)
Status: (Passed) 2017-05-02 - Transmitted to Secretary of State [SCR1007 Detail]
Download: Arizona-2017-SCR1007-Enrolled.html
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Senate Engrossed |
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State of Arizona Senate Fifty-third Legislature First Regular Session 2017
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SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1007 |
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A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
On the death of the Honorable John Upton Hays.
(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)
The Honorable John Upton Hays passed away on June 10, 2016 at the age of eighty‑eight.
Born on February 14, 1928, John was raised on his family's ranch in Peeples Valley, Arizona. Developing a thirst for learning at an early age, John started his educational journey as a student at a one‑room schoolhouse that sat on the ranch before attending Prescott High School. Later, he went on to attend the University of Arizona, the University of the Americas in Mexico City, where he majored in Latin American Studies, Spanish and Portuguese, and the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Glendale, where he earned a master's degree.
In 1967, John met his future bride, Mary Greene Sharp, the daughter of a prominent Southern Arizona ranching family, at the Yavapai Cattle Growers' annual calf sale and barbecue, an event that has been hosted at the Hays ranch since the 1930s. The two married shortly thereafter and raised their family on the ranch.
Elected to the Arizona Legislature in 1974, John represented District 1 in the House from 1975 to 1982 and the Senate from 1983 to 1990. Afterward, he served as the Governor's Legislative Liaison and as the Director of the Department of Weights and Measures under Governor Fife Symington. In 2000, John was appointed to the State Parks Board, which he served as chairman. Throughout his entire political career, John was a strong voice for rural Arizonans. His kindness, humility and reasonableness in the midst of trying situations were unparalleled, and he displayed a tremendous ability to garner the support and respect of his peers on both sides of the political aisle. Among his many projects, he worked tirelessly to preserve agricultural and private property rights, ensure prudent groundwater management, stimulate rural economic development and protect wildlife, crops and livestock.
Despite the demands of his ranching and political careers, John gave selflessly of his time, energy and abilities to various organizations that shared his commitment to bettering the State of Arizona. Some of his many professional affiliations include membership on the Yavapai County Planning and Zoning Commission, the Southwest Screwworm Eradication Board and the Triangle Natural Resource Conservation District Board. He also served as President of the Yavapai Cattle Growers' Association and was a founding member of Project CENTRL (Center for Rural Leadership), which he served as board President for several years.
John was a successful rancher, avid reader, world traveler, talented linguist, respected legislator and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be remembered as a true "renaissance cowboy."
Dedicated to his family, John will be greatly missed by his wife of almost 48 years, Mary, his children, John Jr., Jane and Rebecca, and his seven grandchildren.
Therefore
Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Arizona, the House of Representatives concurring:
That the Members of the Legislature sincerely regret the passing of the Honorable John Upton Hays and extend their sympathies and condolences to his family and many friends.
UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED BY THE HOUSE MAY 2, 2017.
UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED BY THE SENATE MAY 2, 2017.
FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE MAY 2, 2017.
