Milwaukie mechanic Eddie Hay died at 94

Edgar MacKenzie Hay, Jr., known to family and friends as Eddie, died on August 14, 2026. He was 94 years old.

Hay was born in Toledo, Oregon, in 1931. He lived on the Oregon Coast for his first eight years before his family moved to Portland. He attended Benson High School, where he met Joyce Jensen at the Oaks Park skating rink. The couple married in 1949 and raised five children together.

For his entire career, Hay worked as a mechanic and machinist for several Northwest railroads. He also spent a number of years working part-time at Andy’s Service Station. His work life extended into his home, where he rebuilt cars and motorcycles with his four sons. He participated in motorcycle and drag racing and frequently repaired vehicles for friends and family in his garage.

His sons recall him building scooters for them to ride in their large family yard. After retiring, Hay enjoyed fishing on the Willamette River, often joining his son-in-law on the water.

Hay lived in his Milwaukie home until May 2026. He began needing help with daily tasks at that time and moved into an assisted living facility. He spent his final four months in that care. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Joyce, his son Craig, and his grandson Jason. He is survived by his daughter Jan Roscoe of Milwaukie; sons Ken of Camas, Doug of West Linn, and Marty of Southeast Portland; and his brother Bob of Beaverton. He also leaves behind 11 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life for Hay was held at his Milwaukie home in September. He is remembered as a quiet and gentle man who supported his wife’s hobbies, including gardening and raising Chow dogs. In recent years, he and Joyce cared for dozens of stray and feral cats in their neighborhood and at a local river park.