Anthony Alan "Tony" Hays

Jan 27, 1953 -

Jan 14, 2025

Anthony Alan Hays, "Tony," age 71, passed away in Anchorage, Alaska, at Alaska Regional Hospital on Jan. 14, 2025. Tony was born on Jan. 27, 1953, in Enterprise, Ore., to AM Jack and Jean Hays. Tony joined older brother Thomas Hays and sister Jacquelyn "Jackie" Hays at their home in Enterprise.

Tony spent his childhood growing up in Enterprise, spending countless hours playing outside, bike riding, games, swimming, fishing and camping, establishing his love of the outdoors.

Tony and family moved to Walla Walla, Wash., in 1965, at age 11, graduating from Walla Walla High School in 1971.

Tony Hays served God and country in the Vietnam War, finishing his last tour in 1973, taking enemy fire on both sides of his body, leaving shrapnel.

Tony left Walla Walla in 1981, spending time in Seattle and Olympia, Wash., and back and forth to Southwest Alaska, until he made his home permanently in Alaska in 1990 in Kodiak. He continued fishing on boats primarily out of Kodiak, but also spent time in Homer, Alaska. Besides working as a fisherman, Tony had many adventures in Alaska meeting so many people and becoming friends. Tony could tell a story with the best of them.

Tony eventually moved to Palmer, Alaska, where he lived the past eight years with his soul mate, Fran Gillette. He continued to do some commercial fishing until about a year ago.

Tony passed away at Anchorage Regional Hospital with Fran by his side.

Tony is survived by his brother, Thomas Hays of Vancouver, Wash.; nephew, Craig Hays of Denver, Colo.; Jacquelyn (Robert) Schneider of Reardan, Wash.; nephew, Paul Fredrickson of Olympia; niece, Jessica Taylor of Tall Timbers, Md.; aunt, Jane Brown of Prosser, Wash.; Fran Gillette; and numerous cousins.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Jack in 2006, and in Jean 2024; grandparents; and numerous aunts and uncles.

A Celebration of Life is to be determined for a later date.