Kenneth "Ken" Hay

   Kenneth Micheal Hay, 79, of Harwood, North Dakota, passed away peacefully at home on October 2, 2026, under the care of hospice, following an eight-year battle with cancer. Throughout his final journey, Ken was lovingly cared for at home by his wife, Marlys, and his sons.

   Ken was born December 26, 1946, to Clifford and Laura Hay. He grew up in Fullerton, North Dakota, and graduated from Fullerton High School in 1965.
 
   Ken proudly served his country in the United States Navy from June 1969 until January 1972. He served as a radarman aboard the USS James C. Owens.

   On September 22, 1979, Ken married Marlys Turnbom in Fargo, North Dakota. Together they raised three sons, Timothy, Jonathan and Steven. Ken was immensely proud of his sons, and his family was always one of the greatest joys of his life.

   Ken worked for Patterson Dental for 39 years as a service technician. His work suited him well because Ken could fix just about anything. He was talented in carpentry, plumbing, electrical work and countless other skills. If something was broken, chances were good that Ken could figure out how to make it work again.
 
   Ken loved the outdoors. Fishing, hunting and gardening brought him many happyhours, as did the many fishing trips and fish fries shared with family and friends. During retirement, Ken and Marlys especially enjoyed camping, taking long walks in the woods and appreciating the beauty of God’s wonderful world. They also treasured camping trips with friends and the many memories made along the way.
   
   Friendship was very important to Ken. He treasured the many friendships he made throughout his life and enjoyed something as simple as having coffee with friends or talking on the phone. Family traditions and family reunions were important to him, and he enjoyed the time spent surrounded by the people he loved.

   Dogs were always part of Ken and Marlys’s family. Their current companion, Quincy, remained faithfully at Ken’s side.

  Ken was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Harwood and the American Legion. When his sons were growing up, he also served as a Boy Scout leader.

   Ken is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Marlys; sons Jonathan (Hoa Tran) Hay and Steven (Ali Jung) Hay; siblings Tony (Jean) Hay, Betty (John) Kannas, Clifford (Sylvia) Hay, Pat (Kathy) Hay, Lauretta Stutsman, Linda (Dave) Cypcar, Alice Oban, David Hay, Kathy Gentz, Sue (Todd) Brown and Rick Hay; and many nieces and nephews.

  He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Laura Hay; his sister, Donna Gramlow; and his son, Timothy Hay.

   Ken will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for his ready smile, his capable hands, his love for his family and friends, and the quiet joy he found in the simple things: time spent outdoors, a good fishing trip, coffee with friends, a faithful dog at his side, and being with the people he loved. His was truly “a wonderful world,” made most meaningful by the people with whom he shared it.

   Celebration of Life Service: Friday, October 9, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., in Zion Lutheran Church, Harwood, ND, with visitation one hour prior to the service.

   Interment with Military Honors: Oakwood Cemetery, Harwood, ND.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

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