Jack V Hayhurst's Obituary
Jack Vandergrift Hayhurst was born on September 14, 1923.
He passed away on July 13, 2020. Jack (aka Dad, Papaw, Great Papaw, Grandpa Jack, and Uncle Jack) was born in Colfax, West Virginia to Pearl and Herschel Hayhurst. The oldest of 3 boys, Jack lived on the Hayhurst farm in Fairmont until joining the Army in 1942.
For the next few years he earned his degree in dentistry from the University of Pittsburgh, met and married the love of his life of 63 years (Retha Mae), and started his own family with the birth of his daughter, Sherrie. He earned the rank of Army Captain
in 1952. Settling down in Fairmont, Jack became one the town’s most beloved dentists. In 1977 Jack retired his dental drill and moved to San Diego to be closer to his only child and his two grandchildren, Jeff and Melissa. Here, he changed courses and began
a successful second career in real estate, reaching the ranks of “Million Dollar Club” with home sales throughout San Diego. Living the good life in retirement meant spending countless hours tending his massive backyard garden full of everything from orchids
and irises, to tomatoes and cucumbers. For years he found great joy giving tours of his gardens to anyone who came by the house to visit. “Come see my garden” he would say, puffing on his pipe filled with cherry tobacco and slowly walking around, pointing out
each and every plant as if they were his children. Jack was an avid reader of all things political and historical. His bookshelves were filled with hundreds of presidential biographies and books about military battles throughout history. His love for books
led him to years of volunteering at his local library, helping out at the weekly “Friends of the Library” book sale. A proud, life-long member of the Republican Party, he spent many years volunteering his time to help politicians win local elections. He also
loved travelling to Europe with Retha, exploring all the places he read about in his history books. A few years after Retha passed away, Jack moved up to Sonoma to be closer to his daughter. For the next 10 years, he enjoyed playing bingo and watching Jeopardy
with new friends, as well as taking scenic drives and playing card/board games with his daughter. He passed peacefully in his sleep from natural causes just two months shy of 97 years old. In Heaven he has joined his beloved wife Retha, parents, brothers, and
first born grandson, Jeff. He will be missed by many, including his daughter, granddaughter, 3 great-grandchildren, and nephews and nieces.
Jack will rest in peace next to his wife Retha at the Greenwood
Mausoleum in San Diego, Ca.
Per his request, no formal services will be held.
What’s your fondest memory of Jack?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jack?
Share a story where Jack's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jack you’ll never forget.
How did Jack make you smile?
