Andrew H. Gorey, Jr.

Hays Gorey, Jr., a longtime Vienna, Virginia resident and Salt Lake City native who rose to prominence as a federal antitrust prosecutor in Washington, D.C. died on July 17, 2024. He was 79.

Born on November 23,1944 to Hays Gorey, Sr. and Nonie Hammond Gorey, Hays grew up in the Avenues neighborhood of Salt Lake City where he was a little league star pitcher. He was intellectual and studious with a mischievous streak. He pushed boundaries, broke a few rules, and teased his younger siblings mercilessly as his mother would encourage them to “tease back,” knowing that they were no match. With maturity, he became a law-abiding, loving, gently teasing, and protective older brother. Known for his wit, he relished being ribbed by his nieces and nephews with their rendition of Carly Rae Jepson’s hit song “Call Me Maybe” modified to “Call Me Haysie.” Crazy Haysie.

A lover of outdoor activities, Hays joined extended family members on hiking and camping trips in the western U.S. and reached the base of Mount Everest during a 2004 excursion to Nepal. He traveled extensively throughout eastern and western Europe and Asia.

Hays was a 1966 graduate of the University of Utah and a 1969 graduate of the University of Utah College of Law. He received a Master of Laws from Georgetown University in 1977. Hays spent his public career with the Department of Justice, serving in the Antitrust and Criminal Divisions. Besides representing the United States in major civil and criminal cases, he nurtured and delighted in the close relationships with colleagues he met at Justice. In 1997, then-Attorney General Janet Reno honored Hays with an award for distinguished service. Never quite getting his fill of pursuing wrongdoers, Hays established a private law practice with former federal prosecutors in Washington, D.C. following his retirement from public service.

Hays married Suzanne Anthony in 1984 and together they celebrated the birth and life of their shining light Elisabeth. Hays was unwaveringly devoted to his family. During the past two decades he loved and provided endless care for Suzanne, who suffered a stroke resulting in severe hemiparalysis, and Elisabeth, who was diagnosed with chronic illness. His effort and sacrifice allowed Suzanne to stay at home-her ultimate wish-until her passing in August 2023. He offered Elisabeth a listening ear in the middle of the night or nourishment when she could not get out of bed, placing her needs above his even when his own suffering exceeded hers.

Hays was preceded in death by his parents, Nonie and Hays, and his wife, Suzanne. He is survived by his daughter Elisabeth, sisters, DeAnn (Larry) and Susan, and brother Tom (Annette,) and many adoring nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. The family extends gratitude for the loving care provided to Hays by his constant caregivers Zeinab Mohamud and Jerry Flamiano. Finally, the family is eternally grateful for Hays’ dear friend, Jack Wade, who lovingly took over every role that Hays could no longer perform during his final years.

Please join us in celebrating Hays and Suzanne’s lives on Friday, August 23, 2024 at 2 o’clock for a service and reception to follow at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Oakton, Virginia.