Michael Patrick Hays, 47, of Orlando, FL and originally from Lafayette, IN passed away on Thursday, June 15, 2017 in Southport, England.

Mike was the only son of Patty and Tim Hays, proud father of Lauren and Jackson Hays, and best friend to his wife Kaye Hays.

Mike suffered for 30 years from Crohn’s Disease and died from complications of colon cancer.

Mike was born in 1970 and raised in Lafayette. After his great start McCutcheon High School he went on to be an extremely proud Purdue alum with a die-hard love for his Boilermakers and enjoyed one or two drinks at Harry’s Chocolate Shop. He was a proud member of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. Go Ugly Early and Boiler Up!

Medically unable to pursue his dream of working in aviation, Mike moved to Florida where he tried on may diverse hats, including Mickey Mouse ears and a pizza restaurant owner, until he found his true destination in the healthcare field as a nurse.

In mid-life, Mike studied hard and successfully became a Registered Nurse working at a Florida Hospital in the largest Neurological Intensive Care Unit in the United States. He relished his true calling. His naturally comforting, caring nature had found its perfect purpose. He was a trusted true friend to many at the hospital and was highly respected and loved in return. He helped many patients and families through some of life’s most difficult times and had an emotional connection with everyone he met.

He moved into the role of Charge Nurse quickly and made it look easy, but it was emotionally taxing and he recently became interested in the Information Technology side of the hospital and had taken on a new role within the hospital as a Physician Advocate. He had finally found his perfect fit and position and loved his new welcoming work family immensely.

While on vacation with his mother, children, and wife; Mike surrounded by family, became sick and died suddenly at Southport Hospital in England.

Two of his proudest moments in his life were when his daughter Lauren was born followed by his son Jackson. He loved every moment spending time teaching, cooking, swimming, watching movies, and playing board games and cards with his children while always providing encouragement, education, and life lessons along the way. He helped guide them and knew they were smart and would make the right choices throughout their lives and reach his ultimate goal for them in life – to be happy.

Mike found fun, laughter, love, adventure, excitement, and mindfulness in every moment. He was the glue that brought people together and the life and soul of the party. He was an impressively smart man with incredible knowledge and he loved to win Trivia Nights and should have appeared on “Jeopardy”!

He loved to research, plan, and travel and recently checked London and Paris off his list. Mostly, Mike will be missed because of his heart. He was a good man with a pure, caring soul.

In Mike’s final words he said “You never know how much you’re loved until something bad like this happens. You go through life hoping you’ve made positive influences, and it looks like I didn’t do too bad a job.”

Most of all Mike just wanted his children, his family, and friends, to be happy and enjoy their life. Life is too short.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Michael’s name to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, Purdue Cancer Research Center, or donate blood.

A celebration of Mike’s Life will be on Saturday, July 15, 2017 from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm at the American Legion Post 11, 1801 S. 9th Street, Lafayette, IN.