John Hays of Hays Travel has sadly died.

[taffs travels]

What sad news- been such an awful year

[Donz1979]

So so sad! Just shows live each day to the full you never know whats round corner.

[cartoonp]

Very sad news thoughts go to his Family and frends

[Princesses 3]

Met him a few times and he was really lovely, down to earth and very warm - a true gent. He will be a huge miss I’m sure, certainly to Sunderland 🙁

[stanleycamel]

John Hays never waivered from his support of his home city of Sunderland which showed in all aspects of his working life.

Many people remark on the fierce rivalry between NUFC and SAFC but true supporters of both teams recognize loyalty to their home team and respect to the opposition.

As a NUFC supporter of 50+ years I am proud to say I knew a certain supporter/VC of SAFC - you did your club proud.

[Mr Tom Morrow]

SC. I suspect you may be in touch with the family? If so it would be nice to send all our regards to a Family that have delivered so much and particularly in these difficult times .

The Company will never be the same again.

[JoS]

He will be sadly missed in Sunderland. I met him years ago and what a nice man.

[katiec68]

My DH met/sat next to his wife on a train from London to Newcastle a couple of years ago - said she was a really wonderful lady.

They did so much to try to rescue the travel agents- I'm sure he'll be sadly missed.

RIP 💔

[Princesses 3]

SC. As a Sunderland supporter of 50+ years I couldn’t agree more about supporting your home team and for that matter your home City and then region. I think John showed us how to do that with good grace - then went one better and spread it to supporting the whole country. Some of the comments I’ve read since he died have been truly wonderful and I’m sure will eventually bring comfort and even more pride to his family

[stanleycamel]

Originally Posted by Mr Tom Morrow

SC. I suspect you may be in touch with the family? If so it would be nice to send all our regards to a Family that have delivered so much and particularly in these difficult times .

The Company will never be the same again.

See more...

Thank you Mr Morrow - when appropriate of course I will. A glance at social media shows how much John meant to the travel industry.

Yesterday a fantastic photographer and great supporter of SAFC Dean Matthews passed away due to Covid and now their former Vice Chairman John - sad times.