"Lit a candle in memory of Richard "Rick" Bays"
In loving memory of
Richard "Rick" Bays
March 30, 1947 - September 24, 2015
Richard Bruce Bays, 68, passed away peacefully with his family and dear friends by his side on September 24, 2015, after a short 7 month battle against cancer. Rick was born in Waco, TX, on March 30, 1947. His family moved to Austin in 1960 when his father, the late Gordon Bays, was named Pastor of Congress Avenue Baptist Church. Rick was a graduate of William B. Travis High School in Austin and of Baylor University in Waco.
After his graduation from Baylor University, Rick proudly served our country in the United State Army. He joined the Army and was admitted in Officer Candidate School at The U.S. Army Engineer School in Fort Belvoir, VA. After his Officer Commission, he proudly served in Viet Nam where he was awarded a Bronze Star for his Meritorious Service.
Rick was a passionate man. He loved the Lord, his family and Public Health.
While the boys were growing up, Rick spent countless hours at the Oak Hill Baseball Fields. In addition to coaching, he held various volunteer positions. He coached the boys until as he said, they out grew him.
Rick joined the Texas Department of Health in 1988 as the Operations Director for Vital Statistics and several months after being hired, was named Bureau Chief. After a decade of service in Vital Statistics he moved to Health Care Quality and Standards to serve as the Associate Commissioner. He also served as the Associate Commissioner for Consumer Health Protection before being named as the Assistant Commissioner for the Division of Regulatory Services.
In 2007, Rick began serving as the Director of the Response and Recovery Unit in the DSHS Community Preparedness Section. His many years of service and resulting relationships with agencies and key leaders across the state, prepared him well to provide leadership during some of the most challenging disasters in state history, including Tropical Storm Eduard, Hurricane Ike, Hurricane Gustav, Hurricane Dolly, Hurricane Alex, the San Angelo: Yearning for Zion Ranch response, H1N1 Pandemic, West Nile Virus Outbreak, Bastrop Wildfires and West Fertilizer Plant Explosion. He leaves a rich legacy and an indelible mark on the health of Texas.
After retirement, he continued to serve the people of Texas through his efforts with BCFS Health and Human Services.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon B. Bays and Pauldean Bays. He is survived by his wife and soulmate Brenda Kelley Bays, sons Patrick Bays and wife Lisa; Brandon Bays, wife Vanessa and the light of his life his grandson, Felton Bruce Bays. He is also survived by Phillip Bays.
The family would like to acknowledge the incredible love and care provided by BFCFS Health and Human Services during his last days. We were honored and humbled by their support and generosity shown to our entire family. They were indeed Ricks Angels.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to BCFS Health and Human Services: BCFS 1506 Bexar Crossing San Antonio, Texas 78232 or on their website www.bcfs.net
Visitation will be on Monday, September 28, 2015 from 6-8 pm at Harrell Funeral Home, 4435 Frontier Trail, Austin, TX 78745. A celebration of Ricks life will be held at 12 noon, Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at First Baptist Church of Georgetown 1333 W. University Ave. 78728.
Interment will follow at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX.
Condolences may be sent to: www.harrellfuneralhomes.com.
Tributes
"Lit a candle in memory of Richard "Rick" Bays"
"Lit a candle in memory of Richard "Rick" Bays"
"Lit a candle in memory of Richard "Rick" Bays"
"Lit a candle in memory of Richard "Rick" Bays"
"Lit a candle in memory of Richard "Rick" Bays"
"I am sorry to hear of your loss. The death of a loved one is one of the most devastating experiences a human can face. At times, the loss can seem unbearable. The Bible promises; "God is near to the brokenhearted." It also says: "Throw your burden on God and he will sustain you." (Psalms 34;18 and 55:22) I hope this message will help you cope with the loss of your loved one."
"I'm sorry for your loss and hope happy memories bring comfort. With sympathy, Stephanie Easterday Vital Statistics 1997-2003"
"Rick Bays....thank you for your friendship, leadership, and many many contributions to the state of Texas! You will forever hold a special place in my heart! I will miss those twinkling eyes, your robust laughter, and great warm smile! Be at peace!"
"I worked under Rick when he was Bureau Chief of Vital Statistics; he was a great guy to work for and a very honest and likeable person. He treated all of his employees fairly. I am so sorry for your loss. Wishing you and your family strength and peace. Hold on to your memories and let them guide you during this time of sadness. May God's love make your grief bearable. Sue Gadd Smithville, TX"
"Sincere condolences to the Bays family. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Don an Carol Verbeke"
"My deepest condolences to the Bays family. Rick's impact on Texas is long and will not soon be forgotten. I hope you find comfort in your memories as you mourn your loss and celebrate Rick's life. With sympathy, Kirstin Short, Houston PHP"
"Brenda & Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Rick's kind and gentle spirit coupled with his quick wit and remarkable personality captivated our whole family. He will certainly be missed. Please know that we love you very much and pray that God will surround you and give you strength through this difficult time. Sincerely, Carey & Melanie Pugh"
"My deepest condolences to the Bays family at such a challenging time. I pray that your memories of his life, his legacy, his laughter and his love will comfort you as you move forward honoring his memory. Remember, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." - Psalm 34:18 Peace be with you. Pamela Williams - Hilton Austin"
"The years that I shared with Rick as my Associate Commissioner at TDH and DSHS, then as a colleague in his later years at DSHS will some of the fondest memories. He was a multifaceted individual that welcomed new ideas and supported his staff even in difficult times. My heart felt prayers go out to Rick's family, that the Lord will hold them close and provide peace beyond understanding, strength to cope with this loss and knowledge he is now with the Lord. God Bless is family, friends, and colleagues who are missing is memorable smile and laughter. He will be missed. Carol Wright"
"I had the pleasure of working closely with Rick for many years on GETAC. I loved how he always approached his colleagues with a smile and his hand outstretched. His sense of humor always created a sense of security and calm. He knew the nuances of the healthcare system extremely well and had a gift at navigating challenging issues. His efforts helped improve the health, safety and well-being of all Texans. ...and he did it in a way that created pride, goodwill and collaboration. It was a privilege to spend a little bit of the journey with him. To his family - Thanks for allowing him to give so much of himself to us. He made the work rewarding, impactful with just the right amount of fun... Rick's fingerprints on healthcare and his signature laugh in conversation will be around for a long, long time."
"Sincere Condolences to the Bays Family. Im sorry for your loss. I will always remember the kindness Rick showed me and am grateful to have known him. With Love from CeCe x"
"I had the pleasure of meeting Rick as a brand new employee of the Texas Department of Health in 1993 and enjoyed years of knowing Rick through the health department. As saddened as I am at hearing about him passing, I was honored to be able to say that i got to work with one of the "good guys" in the world."
"Sent a gift in memory of Richard "Rick" Bays"
"I worked for DSHS Laboratory and had the honor of meeting Rick. He was always such a gentle man in every way. No matter where he saw me he always spoke. I know he will be missed not only by his family but also the many people that knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. Annie Gerstner"
"My dear Austin colleague who shared my love for Baylor. What great fun we had with that. Rest in peace and Sic ' em!"
"Always hard work and good times... DSHS, TPHA, and BCFS IMT... John Herbold"
"Brenda and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. Rick was a special person and I know you will miss him. God's peace to you, and all of your friends and family. Janie McMahan"
"Mark and I are just plain sad. We know that no words can ease the pain you feel at this moment, but please know how much we care for you and that we loved and admired Rick. Such a gentle soul and amazing man. He will be missed greatly. Peace and Goodness. Vicki Cowling"
"Brenda and family: Love and sincere condolences. Rick was a sweet man and a dear friend. I shall miss him. I am thinking of you all and wishing you God's comforting peace. Jim Raup"
"My thoughts are with the family at this time of loss. Rick was always a great friend and co-worker with a tremendous sense of humor and love for those closest to him. He will be greatly missed in this world. Steve Trogdon"
"Brenda, my thoughts are with you and your family during this time."