Patrick L. Hayes
August 17, 1963 - September 25, 2024
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Patrick L. Hayes, 61, who was tragically shot and killed on September 25, 2024, in Hideout, Utah. Patrick was a vibrant and cherished member of his community, known as a local small businessman with a passion for swimming and water polo, which he pursued with great enthusiasm from his youth through adulthood.
Patrick was born in Oxnard, California in 1963 to his parents Michael and Sue Mae Hayes He was an accomplished swimmer and water polo player at Newbury Park High School in southern California. As an athlete at the University of Utah he starred in both sports garnering NCAA Division I All-American honors in swimming. He graduated with a degree in economics. Not only did he excel in his sport, but he also inspired many through coaching and his dedicated leadership. His love for water polo remained a constant throughout his life, as he continued to play and coach at the local, national, and international levels sharing his expertise and passion with younger generations.
Patrick’s greatest devotion was to his family. He is survived by his son, Christian, his fiancée, Sue Ann Kern, and her daughters, Sam and Jess. He is also lovingly remembered by his sister, Leanne; his brothers, Mike (Melissa), Matt (Jeanne), and Andy (Brenna); his nieces, Ruby and Erin (Jared); nephews Gabriel and Joseph (Maddie); and his grandnephew, Quinn. Patrick was a loving partner, brother, father, and uncle whose vibrant spirit enriched all his relationships. His zest for life shone through his love of travel, fitness, competition, and lively discussions on sports, politics, and social issues. Known in his neighborhood for his friendly chats during daily walks with his beloved dog, Tilly. Patrick had an infectious energy and made lasting connections with everyone he met. His presence will be deeply missed by both family and friends.
In honor of Pat’s memory, we encourage those who knew him to come together and celebrate his life and the joy he brought to so many. He will be profoundly missed but forever remembered for his spirit, passion, and unwavering love for his family.
A celebration of life will be Sunday, November 3 beginning with a Swim Meet at 11:00 AM at the University of Utah Pool located in the Ute Natatorium, 1752 – 1780 Campus Center Drive, Salt Lake City. Parking is available in the parking garage to the west of the building. Please bring your own beverages, but no glass.
You can leave condolences on the website of Starks Funeral Parlor https://starksfuneral.com/obituaries/ where you are encouraged to post stories and photographs that honor Patrick’s life. The date and time of a celebration of life will be announced there. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be directed to For the Love of Satos at venmo@janalleFTLOS, an organization dedicated to rescuing street dogs in Puerto Rico that was a project of his niece Erin.
In Loving Memory
No words can assist in this loss. Terribly sorry, and I tremendously felt this loss. I look forward to being with Christian and the family at the celebration of life. Much love, many prayers.
My prayers are with your family Pat we only knew each other through your brother's but thay stayed you were a good man .Then one day we meet and I could see in you how special and kind you were and in my family there was a prayer that we say to our love ones and it gos May the road rise to meet you May the wind be alway atyour back May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again May God hold you in the hollow of his hands.i wish to the Hayes family my prayers for you at this time how Rest in peace Pat
Pat was always larger than life! He enjoyed life and made sure everyone felt welcome at any gathering. He was so proud of his son Christian. Loved sitting with him in the stands as he cheered him on while he played or coached . He will be greatly missed . All our love to Christian in his time of grief.
Pat had an infectious personality. He brought sunshine to waterpolo in Utah. My heart breaks for all his family left behind. Pat made a positive, lasting mark on the Utah swimming and water polo world. God Speed!
My deepest sympathy to his family and Fiance. Patrick was always laughting and had an infectious smile. He will forever be in our hearts.
Pat was such a big presence in the water polo community. Having attended countless scrimmages, games, and tournaments, he helped grow the water polo community in so many different ways here in Utah. I will miss the vibrant energy and enthusiasm he brought to the water. My condolences to the entire Hayes family.
It is impossible to fully grasp or find the right words for a tragedy as horrific as what happened to Patrick. In times like these, I believe that finding peace, especially for his family and for Sue Ann, comes not from focusing on how his life ended, but in remembering how Patrick lived. When I think of Patrick, I will always remember his boundless enthusiasm, his zest for life, and the kindness that radiated from him. Despite his tall, fit stature, it was the gentleness of his spirit that stood out most. I think of his warm smile and how, even though we didn’t know each other very well, he always greeted me as if we were old friends, making me feel welcome and seen. The best way I can imagine honoring Patrick is by striving to live with the same grace, kindness, and joy that he embodied. While we cannot change the outcome of this senseless tragedy, I hope to carry forward Patrick’s legacy by greeting others with the same warmth, by sharing enthusiasm for life, and by choosing kindness above all, just as he did. With sincere condolences and prayers to his beloved fiance, Sue Ann, his son Christian, and their entire family as they navigate through this unimaginable loss. May they find comfort and strength in the love and memories they shared with Patrick. Rest in peace, dear Patrick. Your presence will be deeply missed, but the love, care, and kindness you shared with the world will never be forgotten.
No one could brighten up a practice like Pat. If I was ever having a bad day and dragged myself out of the house to train, seeing Pat walk onto the pool deck always made me feel better, his great big smile and even bigger work ethic were contagious. A man who was passionate, opinionated, energetic, funny, an absolute joy to be around, and whether or not he knew it, always brought the best out of others.
I am still numb after hearing of the tragic and untimely incident that took our beloved friend. Pat, a lifelong friend, touched many lives and was loved throughout the world for his kind, giving heart and compassion. May our hearts go out to the Hayes family; Pat will be missed by all of us.
On cold winter nights in Hideout, I would often walk our dog Harvey around the neighborhood and stop by the small park. The snow crunching beneath my feet. On nights like these, the neighborhood felt deserted. Often though, I would see the shadow of a figure and a dog in the park. I knew it was Patrick and Tilly. The only other souls in the community to brave the elements no matter how cold or windy Having him around made things feel warmer. I always enjoyed our chats , the neighborhood gatherings with him, and our dogs interacting. He will certainly be missed. He felt like a permanent essential part of our community.
May Patrick’s memory be a blessing❤️
We had the good fortune of talking with Patrick most mornings as he walked Tilley through the neighborhood. He had such a joyous presence and always had a big smile and friendly word. We are deeply saddened by his loss. Our deepest sympathies to all who know and love him.
Sending love and condolences to Sue Ann and Patrick's family during this difficult time.
My prayers and deepest condolences are with Pat's family. He was an exceptionally kind, funny, and cheerful person. I will miss seeing him on the pool deck, forever treasure him helping coach water polo, and never forget the helpful advice he gave which helped me accomplish my dream of being a college swimmer. He was a wonderful person and he will be dearly missed.
My heart is broken. When I was a kid swimming at Highland High and Tsunami for Roger Haglund and Gary Guiterrez, Pat was an unbelievably kind and generous big brother to me - far better than my real ones, actually. I was five years younger, and Pat towered over me, but his huge smile and bigger heart welcomed me into the fraternity of swimming in Utah. I know I was not the only young guy who looked up to Pat and his brothers as gods. I am so sorry for the hole this leaves in the lives of his loved ones and friends and for everyone Pat's sunshine touched, even for a moment. He was and is unforgettable. The world is a poorer place without him.
Sue Ann, may you, your family and Patrick's family be held in the hearts of all who love you. This unspeakable tragedy has changed your lives forever, and I pray that the care of your loved ones will sustain you in this time and the days ahead. You are in my prayers.
Your in my thoughts an prayers SO SENSELESS. There needs to be justice. ❤❤❤
Our sincere condolences to Pat's family and loved ones. His untimely and tragic death has shocked us all. Pat played a considerable role as coach and supporter to our children as they grew up. Both in swimming and water polo he was a steady and positive influence. Thanks in part to Pat's influence, all of our children achieved All State Honors in swimming and an All American selection in Water Polo. Our family owed him a great debt of gratitude - May he Rest in Peace. Respectfully, The Hunt Family
Pat lived with my family for a while when we were in Utah. He was unfailingly polite and unstintingly generous with his time and talents. My condolences to all--keep on passing that ball.
I work with Patrick when we worked at Hertz. He was always fun to work with. He loved talked about his love for Christian and how well he was doing in school playing water polo. Water polo was a big thing in his life. I think he ate and lived water polo, his great friend. I jump in contact with him for a few years after we left Hertz, but hadn’t talked to him for a while which I sadly miss Christian, I’m sorry. Sad about the loss of your dad. Great man I’m sure he was a great example for you to live your life.
My deepest condolences to Sue Ann and Jessica, on this senseless and tragic loss. My thoughts will always be with you.
Sue Ann - sending you and Patrick's family our love during this incredibly difficult time. So very sorry for your tragic loss. You are all in our prayers.
My condolences to the family and loved ones of Patrick. I only had the opportunity to meet and play with Patrick at the USA Water Polo Nationals this past summer. So sorry for your loss.
I am so very sad to hear of Pat’s tragic passing. Though it’s been many years since our college days, I still have vivid memories of Pat’s fun-loving and caring spirit. I know he will be deeply missed. My heart and deepest sympathy go out to the entire Hayes family.
Unfailingly generous, kind, and welcoming, even when I was in lane 1 (one) (the slow lane) at Steiner Master's! For those of us who love Pat: grief is a journey, and we're in it as a community. See you next Sunday at the pool.
We were saddened to hear about the passing of Pat. He swam with us on a regular basis and always had a smile. He was such a happy person and would stop and take time to chat with the staff. He will be missed.
In Loving Memory
