Barry Charles Hay, DDS, was born June 8, 1946 in Hollywood and passed away on March 8th, 2018 at 11:10 p.m. at home in McKinleyville, under loving support from family and Hospice.

Barry grew up in Montecito, California attended Santa Barbara High School, attended San Diego State University where he was a talented swimmer and was on the swim team. He completed his education at the University of the Pacific Dental School in San Francisco, California. He loved to surf every chance he got from high school through dental college.

Barry owned a dental practice in Santa Barbara, and sold it to move to Humboldt County in 1987 for the beautiful scenery and cooling weather. He then worked as one of the town dentists in Scotia until Barry joined the Open Door Community Health Centers in 1991. He worked on 10th street Arcata location until its closing in 2009, he then moved to Old Town Eureka and continued to provide outstanding dental care to his beloved community until he medically retired in 2012.

Barry loved life. Barry enjoyed music, he was a talented musician who could sing and play the guitar he also loved to read. He had so many favorite books. He also enjoyed long hikes along the Fortuna trail, the Elk River Reserve and many local beaches.

Barry was blessed with loving and supportive friends that became family — Dr Chris Lambert and wife Connie along with Ted Campbell. He was a loving, caring, supportive person and a fierce friend. Barry married his best friend and soulmate Karen in 2001 on Kauai Island, Hawaii. Barry was a devoted father to his only son, Miles Richard Hay, who he shared a strong bond over music, lyrics, and books. He also had a special connection with stepdaughters Heidi and Joe Kniseley of San Marcos, Calif. and Dawnnica and Scott Eastman of Orleans, Mass. He felt blessed to play grandfather to four outstanding granddaughters — Emma and Lily Kniseley and Eila and Sonia Eastmen.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Karen Hay of McKinleyville, and only child Miles Richard Hay of Eureka. His sister Diana Simpson of Summerland, and his brother Bob Hay of Costa Rica. Joan Sorenson of Solvang, Calif. Kenny and Rona, Colby and Shane Sorenson. Lori and Jim, Leana, Lisa Thompson of Buelton, Calif.. He loved his family.

Barry is preceded in death by his first wife, Kathy Hay of Solvang. Calif. His mother Jean Hay and stepfather John Hay of Montecito, calif., and his father Freddie Slack of Hollywood, Calif. and Don Sorenson.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, March 25, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Chapel of the Redwoods — 3327 Timber Fall Court, Eureka.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Barry Hay’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.