Keith Hays

Keith Hays, 67, of Royalston, died peacefully Sunday, July 30, 2023, in Gardner Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Gardner, after a period of declining health.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on December 11, 1955, he was the son of the late Norman and Ruth (Kosofsky) Hays. He was a graduate of Algonquin Regional High School in Northboro. Keith worked in the shipping and receiving department at Harrington and Richardson in Gardner, as well as Digital for many years.

Keith was a member of the American Legion Post 193 of Winchendon, a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Winchendon, member of the Winchendon Rod and Gun Club, Royalston Rod and Gun Club, the Turnpike Rod and Gun Club, and a Life Member of the National Rifle Association. He was a gun enthusiast who loved ensuring they were all in working order. Keith also enjoyed doing cross-stitch, building model cars and trains, and RC cars. He loved his cats. But most importantly, spending time with family and friends.

Keith was known for his story-telling. He loved telling stories of growing up with his brothers, his grandchildren, and everything in between. Anyone that met him got to hear one of his many stories, sometimes more than once. He always made you feel like you were part of his world, even if you had no idea what/who he was talking about.

Keith is survived by his wife of 35 years, Sandra LaJoie of Royalston; a daughter, Erinn LaJoie of Leominster; four grandchildren, Kadasia, Alyana, Delyla, and Natahlia LaJoie, all of Leominster; great-grandson, Julian LaJoie-Hoffman and his father, Adam Hoffman; three brothers, Greg Hays and his wife Melissa of Framingham, Mark Hays of Boylston, and Gary Hays and his wife Christina of Northboro; many nieces and nephews and their respective families; an aunt, Carole Bovitch of Pittsburgh; and several cousins.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, August 3, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. in the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA.

A Calling Hour will be held Thursday, August 3, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20856, or on their website at (www.kidneyfund.org). Please reference in memory of Keith Hays.