BG (Bvt)(Ret) Richard L. Hayes passed away surrounded by his loving wife, Betty, of seventy years and his four children at his home in Brainerd MN after a long struggle with Parkinson’s. He was born in Brainerd MN on Feb 25, 1933, to Francis and Inis (Bourassa) Hayes. He attended St Francis School then graduated from Washington High School, Class of 1951. He was employed at local grocers and the railroad before being drafted into the Army where he served with the 27th Engineer Bn (Combat) at Fort Campbell, KY. Following his discharge, he joined the MN Army National Guard. He began full-time employment at Camp Ripley in 1955 and served in various assignments until his retirement in 1988. During these 35 years he served in positions of increasing responsibility from platoon through State Staff Level. His key leadership assignments were OIC of the 47th DISCOM, OIC of the State Military Academy, State Personnel Officer, Camp Ripley Commander, and Chief of Staff for the MN National Guard.