Frank B. Hay

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Frank Hay lived fully in the moments he was given. He lived a vibrant life filled with success and adventure, and although he accomplished great things he remained humble, hardworking, and devoted to his loved ones. Frank was a longtime resident of the community he loved, and his outgoing and fun-loving personality drew others near with ease. Life will never be the same without him here, but he leaves behind a timeless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

The year 1918 is often recalled as the year that WWI finally came to an end. As a result of our victory, America was recognized as a world leader for the first time and poised for greatness. With the eyes of the world focused on our shores, we didn’t disappoint as innovation was taking us to new and exciting places throughout most of the 1920s. It was just prior to the end of the war that Bertram and Florence Hay were pleased to announce the birth of the baby boy they named Frank B. on April 11, 1918, in Racine, Wisconsin. He was one of three children born to his parents, joining his brothers Steven and James in the Hay clan. Tragedy struck when he was just a young boy as his mother passed away. The days that followed were difficult ones, and Frank was shuffled around until his father remarried Betty, whom he loved very much.

In many ways Frank experienced an upbringing that was reflective of the times. The 1930s were difficult times as the Hay family felt the strain of the Great Depression as there were few who were immune to the hardship of the generation. Frank’s father was a carpenter who took whatever work he could find as they traveled the country following the crops. Frank was an avid model maker who won numerous awards for his airplane and boat models during his school years. His interest in aviation was ignited during his junior high school years when his brother, Steven, who was seven years older started taking flying lessons at Air City in Sturtevant. When Steven bought a plane a few years later, the brothers made an agreement that if Frank helped him restore the plane, Steven would bankroll him for flying lessons of his own. Frank soloed his first flight on August 16, 1935, and he graduated from Park High School in 1936. He also continued his education at Colorado State A&M, Fort Collins, and Bermidge State College.

In the fall of 1936, Frank enlisted in the Naval Air Reserve at the Great Lakes Naval Air Station. His flying time was put on hold after getting married and having two wonderful daughters, Sally and Nancy. Frank was deferred for three years, supporting the war effort as a tool and die maker. In 1944 he was drafted and trained as a non electrical instrument repairman and also in fire control.

After leaving the Army, Frank renewed his flying under the G.I. Bill. He earned his private, commercial, and seaplane licenses. Frank joined the the Racine Composite Squadron at the Wisconsin Wing Civil Air Patrol in 1950, becoming squadron commander from 1952 thru 1954. Frank finally left CAP in 1962 having bought a Piper PA22 in October of 1961. He then started a skydiving school at Air City Airport. In 1963, Frank took a contract to fly for an expedition in Peru, South America, for the National Geographic Society and Zoological Society, supporting a team that was looking for the lost city of the Incas. In 1965 Frank sold his skydiving business and moved to Breezy Point, Minnesota, where he established his own commercial helicopter service. During the winter months he went South and did charter work and mosquito control until he went through hurricane Camille on August 12, 1969. At that point, Frank returned to Breezy Point, Minnesota. He took a job teaching aviation mechanics at Thief River Falls, Minnesota, where he was also the designated mechanics examiner for the FAA. Once his helicopter business really took off, Frank gave up the school and crop spraying, devoting all of his time to his helicopter business. In 1972 he qualified as a Hughes Helicopter Service Center and continued in this business until he retired in 1995.

After retiring, Frank moved back to Racine to be closer to family. He joined a senior dance club, and this proved to be quite fateful as it was there that he met Mary. They soon fell in love, and in 2007 they were married. Since then, Frank and Mary went to the gym three times a week to work out. In addition, he was a member of the Quiet Birdmen (QB) club in Milwaukee, attended the monthly pilot breakfast, and volunteered at the Habitat for Humanity Restore until his stroke in 2015.

When reflecting on the life of Frank Hay, it is easy to see that he gave everything he did his all. He was resilient and willing to work hard while facing whatever came his way with great courage. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Frank treasured his family and savored the time he spent with his loved ones. Deeply loved, he will never be forgotten.

With his family at his side, Frank B. Hay passed away on Monday, October 24, 2016 at his residence. Frank’s family includes his wife, Mary; daughter, Sally Hay of Racine; grandchildren, David (Heidi) Petrakis, Michael (April) Petrakis; stepchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by his daughter, Nancy Ruffner; brothers, Steven (Arline) Hay, James Hay. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, November 12, 2016, 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Saturday at the funeral home from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Shriner’s Hospital or to the Racine EAA Museum have been suggested.