Stephen Richard Hayes
February 8, 1952 - April 29, 2021
Stephen Richard Hayes, a father, a brother, a son and grandpa passed away peacefully surrounded by the ones he loved on April 29, 2021.
Steve was born on February 8, 1952 to Richard and Esther Hayes in Springfield, Missouri. As he always said “long story short”, his family moved to Salt Lake City when he was a newborn baby. When he was a young boy, he briefly lived with his Grandma Hathaway in San Francisco and often reminisced that was one of the best times of his childhood. His parents encouraged him to move back to Salt Lake City where he graduated from South High and lived for the rest of his life.
After high school, Steve worked a multitude of jobs finishing out his career at the Museum of Fine Arts with the University of Utah, a job that he took great pride in and loved. “Long story short” his tenure there brought him much passion and appreciation for the arts which was reflected in every aspect of his being, from decor to food to fashion. Never did you see Steve without being dressed to the nines. Even when on a quick run to the grocery store, he was always dressed to impress and had a motto of 'wherever you are, whatever you're doing, BE COOL”! He lived up to that until the day he left this beautiful earth.
After retiring, Steve spent his time surrounded by family and friends. He had a great passion for the arts (theatre, opera, musicals, art shows). He loved his cars and motorcycle, embraced a good cowboy movie, and ok, I know you are all waiting for it…ELVIS!! Steve had a special relationship with Elvis, one that touched the soul (and ear) of everyone he was ever around. He loved to blare music morning, noon, and night and couldn’t resist shaking those hips to the beat. “Long story short”, Steve always knew how to have a good time, and it was contagious to anyone around him. He was the ultimate conversationalist and storyteller. He had a magnetic personality, and people were drawn to him for laughter, for friendship, for love. We will miss that smile, and oh, how we all will miss his laugh.
Steve leaves behind his three daughters: Tressa Pack (Mike), Joy Hayes, and Chantel Hayes. He was the original #girldad. He is also survived by three siblings: Judy McMillan (Art), James Hayes (Annette), and Jeannine Johnson; his grandchildren: Andre, Sahraya, Santino, Alex, Brennan and Dean; his best friend, confidante and cousin, Larry Onitveros (Carmen); his godson, Henry Johnson; his special friend, Lily Long; and countless nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.
There are no words to express how much he will be missed, but to give solace and laughter in a time of sorrow, these words deem appropriate:
Well Folks… ELVIS HAS LEFT THE BUILDING.
Our family would like to give special thanks and appreciation to Alice and Joe from Hospice who made this difficult process a little less difficult with all their kindness and care.
Please join us for a celebration of life honoring Steve on Friday, May 7th 2021 from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Millcreek, Utah. Refreshments and drinks will be served. Please use the complimentary parking located on the north side of the building.
In Loving Memory
A thought of comfort and condolences to the Hayes sisters and family.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Love you both. Praying for you and your family.
Joy, Your father was one of the nicest people we knew and we know that he was a great dad too. He was a wonderful man and will be missed. Truly sorry for your family’s loss.
To Steve's family: We are so sorry for your loss. We're right there with you. To say this world has lost the 'Best' would be totally inaccurate. There never will be another Steve here with us. We've been so lucky and blessed to part of his life these past several years and have gotten to know him not as a cousin, but as the most caring, kind, funny, and generous friend anyone could ever wish to have. So many, many fun times!!! We gotten to laugh through so many humorous things he's done. We know about his favorite old movies, movie stars, singers, updates on Perry Mason every night, learning to use his cell phone, his cars, (and quite a collection of car keys),his favorite places to eat, his sweets (that he wasn't supposed to have, but enjoyed to the fullest) his favorite foods, getting lost driving at night while driving away from home instead of to it, his Feb. B-Day cakes every year, his dry cleaning experience and always always Elvis. There's always been so much that we laughed and shared with him. He was always so proud of all you kids and you've done so much for him especially these past months. I'm sure he knows you'll take great care of all of those things that were so dear to him and I know you'll always have a warm place in your heart remembering all the laughter that was part of his being. I think when we get to meet him again, the first person he'll introduce us to will be Elvis, because I'm sure at this time they're best of friends already!! Love you, Steve, so much!!! Carmen and Larry
Family and Friends: We were always so proud and fortunate to call Steve our Nephew/Cousin. He was truly a wonderful individual, full of personality, vigor and a most unique sense of humor. He lit up a room upon entering and promptly had all eyes and ears focusing on his being. He never left said room, without those he had encountered, smiling or laughing. Steve was truly a most superb storyteller, captivating anyone fortunate enough to listen to his tales. We still remember so many of his adventures and chuckle to ourselves when we think of his stories and escapades!! Traveling to Salt Lake to visit with Steve and the entire Hayes family, was always something we so looked forward to. We never laughed or smiled more, during those visits. We will always lament that we were never able to spend more time with Steve and his family, but we loved them all and they all will remain in hearts always! As I sit and remember Steve, I am comforted, knowing that Steve is probably one of the coolest people in Heaven. Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to all.
One of my favorite memories of Steve will always be of him sitting at my parent’s kitchen table so many times, regaling us with his hilarious stories for hours over coffee...okay, sometimes wine (but only a little)...but mostly coffee. We would sit for hours and hours and talk, laugh, contemplate and then laugh some more. Humor was never in short supply with Steve and he could make even the simplest of tasks hilarious with his wit. If you knew Steve you can hear him say things like “So I’m like, be cool..” and “Ya know, I might have been born at night but...” and it will make you smile. Our family will never be the same without you, Steve, but there will always be a place at our kitchen table and a warm cup of coffee brewed especially for you. We love you!
In Loving Memory
