Former Gage County Extension Educator Passes Away

A former Gage County Extension Educator who made countless contributions to Gage County agriculture as well as to the University of Nebraska and greater State of Nebraska passed away earlier this week.

Paul Hay passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday at the age of 72.

Hay served as an extension educator for Gage County for 37 years. Prior to moving to Beatrice, Hay began his extension career in Frontier County, Nebraska in 1975.

Hay was a big promoter of no-till farming, organized several successful Tire Amnesty projects, and a huge supporter of 4-H.

While speaking on KWBE a few years ago, Hay talked about the joy of working with those in 4-H...."One of our 4-H leaders said one time that 4-H is about the little successes that add up to big successes and I think that is the key and us on the educational side that is what was so fun about 4-H was getting 4-Hers on to be interviewed and see them get a little confidence.. Just little successes that add up to bigger successes in life".

Hay was an active volunteer with Beatrice Noon Kiwanis, volunteered at MUDECAS tournaments and became a Teammates mentor in his retirement years.

A celebration of life service will be held this Sunday at 2pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Beatrice.