Gerald “Hoover” Hays of Rocky Mountain House, Alta., passed away February 4, 2015, at 58 years old. Following his competitive rodeo career, Hays continued to follow the rodeo road as a steer wrestling hazer. In 2000, the Calgary Stampede honoured Hays with the coveted Guy Weadick Award, which symbolized their recognition of his generous cowboy spirit. In 2013, Hays’ fellow cowboys presented him with the CPRA Cowboy of the Year award for his valued contributions to the sport. He leaves behind his wife of 31 years Kathy, his two sons J.D. and Rowdy Hays and a very large rodeo family.
