Colonel W. Hays Parks, USMCR (Retired) Passes Away
It is with great sadness I report that W. Hays Parks passed away yesterday (11May2021). Hays was a great friend and mentor to all of us in the military legal community and a true Patriot. In addition to the voluminous works he wrote for Proceedings, he is singularly responsible for defending the legality of U.S. weapons systems from the ill-informed and malicious actors in the International Law community in Geneva and elsewhere. He is a two-tour Marine Infantry combat veteran from Vietnam and DoD's Senior Legal Advisor on the Law of War.
A retired Army Special Forces Colonel stated aptly, "One of the finest Marines I have ever known. His contributions to the guys in the weeds will never be fully known or understood." The legal and warrior community is greatly diminished.
Hays is to be buried at either Arlington or Quantico.
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Law at Ave Maria School of law
3 年He taught us how to serve with dignity, honor, and humor - with great sorrow on Hays’ passing but gratitude I could learn from and serve with this great warrior - leader - scholar, khg
Retired USMC
3 年Guard the gates of heaven well Marine. Keep its streets safe for our family and friends. I will relieve you when I arrive. Semper Fidelis
Legal Assistant at Keller Rohrback L.L.P.
3 年Hi David, I am Hays' daughter. Thank you for your kind words. I hope to meet some of his friends and colleagues at the services. I tried to email you but do not have LinkedIn Premium, so am unable to do that.
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3 年Hays was unique, smart as a whip, engaging, funny, dedicated, and a wonderful friend. I would want him at my side for an intellectual discussion or in a bar brawl. He bled green, loved the Corps and his wonderful wife, and will be sorely missed. He is probably already laying out a shooting range up there with Saint Peter! Rest In Peace, my friend. Mike Wholley
Transitioning from federal civil service to "retirement"
3 年A cherished friend and a superb mentor. Hays brought everyone he met to a higher level. To paraphrase General George Patton, don't lament that such a man has passed on, rather celebrate that such a man has lived. Semper Fi, Hays.