William O. “Bill” Hayes
December 20, 1964 – May 25, 2020
Bill was a great husband, father and friend. A true family man, he dedicated his life to his family. He loved family vacations, golfing, hiking, visiting numerous national parks, biking and kayaking. Bill was a trusted coworker with a sharp intelligence who was respected by all. He made many friends during his 30 years at ACI and enjoyed his short career at NTT Security. He was a gifted athlete and loved participating in many sports. He took joy in playing sports with his children, coaching their teams and attending all of their games. He had a calm demeanor and a competitive spirit. Whether it was dodgeball or golf, Bill played to win. Everyone tried to “beat Bill”—and almost always failed (to his delight). He had a fun sense of humor and a quick wit. His sly one-liners were always perfectly timed and delivered. He will be missed for all of these reasons and more.
Preceded in death by mother, Verna Hayes, father, Jack Hayes; step-mother, Audrey Hayes. Survived by wife, Theresa; children, Whitney, Natalie, Ryan; sisters, Roxanne Hale (Tom), Cherie Darr (Larry), Carolyn Dillman (David); Merry Woten; brother, Mick Hayes; step-sister, Debbie Barnett (Dale); step-brother, David Hassebroek (Jill); numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Funeral and interment services will be private. However, to view a live broadcast of the funeral service on May 28th at 10:00a.m., go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Livecast” button on the homepage or use link below. In lieu of flowers, online donations are suggested to the National Park Foundation at http://give.nationalparks.org/goto/billhayes.
Funeral Service Link: https://boxcast.tv/view/william-o-bill-hayes-259027
26 Comments
Theresa & Family,
You all have been in my constant thoughts and prayers. I’m so fortunate to have known Bill and to have been apart of his journey. Sending love your way.
Amy Krupski (RN from NCS)
Theresa, Whitney, Natalie & Ryan,
We were so lucky to have your dad in our family. He was a model of decency and calm–and the perfect husband for your mom (who was an equally good catch for him!). I will miss his wisecracks and the way he teased grandma about her favorite sports teams. We also will never forget how casual and modest he was about his athletic ability and fitness–racking up miles on the bike that would wipe out the average person. He loved spending time with you and, as a family, you shared many of his favorite activities: outdoor adventure, sports and travel. You will always carry his spirit. Much love to all of you!
My heart goes out to you and the kids Teresa. If there is anything we can do, please let us know. I’ll be keeping you all in my prayers.
Emily
Dear Theresa & family, you are in our thoughts & prayers. Bill was such a wonderful guy who we enjoyed visiting with when we were at family outings together with you all. Hold on to the love & memories that you shared with Bill to get you through the tough times. I know that knowing that Bill isn’t suffering anymore doesn’t make any easier but try and remember this. We will continue to pray for you and your family for strength to get threw this difficult time. If there is ever anything you need we are a phone call away. Our deepest sympathy and love. Cindy & Jimbo
Bill and I were close friends for over 32 years. One of my favorite stories about Bill and his competitiveness is when Bill bought a new car about 10 years ago and was bragging to me about how great of gas mileage it could get. After a long summer weekend, Bill came into the office and was smiling from ear to ear and proceeded to tell me that he got 44 miles to the gallon when driving to Saint Louis over the weekend. He told me “I over-inflated the tires, didn’t run the air conditioner, coasted down every hill, and drove 55 miles an hour the whole way because that is the optimal speed for gas mileage!”. Who does that?!?! Bill does that!!! 🙂 There are countless stories like that and so many wonderful, wonderful memories of Bill. We will miss you terribly my friend. Our deepest condolences to Theresa and the family. God bless, Mike and Roxanne Grandgenett
We were so blessed to have Bill in our family. My first memories of Bill were playing Tennis with Theresa and discussing how to get Bill to propose. There was never a question of whether Bill would propose; it was just getting him to line up with Theresa’s time frame. I remember listening to her devise a plan to use the song “Will you marry me Bill” to kick off the conversation. I had no idea what an incredible husband, father, family member Bill would turn out to be. We were truly blessed to have Bill in our family. If you know Bill well, then enough said. If you didn’t know Bill well, there’s not enough time in the day to explain how special Bill was or what he meant to our family. We will miss you dearly, but we’ll hold our memories close. All our love! Joe, Roxana, Kyle, and Jacob.
Theresa and Family, condolences on the loss of Bill. I was blessed with the opportunity to work with Bill at ACI for many years. It quickly became clear that he was a top notch engineer and could always be counted to do great work. Even more importantly, Bill was great guy who was a pleasure to be around. Bill always spoke lovingly about each of you and was especially proud of his children’s accomplishments. Also, I remember him being quite a basketball player. Keep the faith and may God bless all of you. Mike Goetz
Dear Theresa, Whitney, Natalie and Ryan,
Bill was a quiet, good-humored presence at the family gatherings where I saw him. Everybody loved him. I always heard about how kind and sweet he was. I wish I had gotten the opportunity to know him better. My heart goes out to you.
Love, Catherine, Celia & Serge
Theresa,
Sorry for your loss. My thought and prayers are with you and your family.
Brenda
Theresa and family – I was so shocked and sad to hear about Bill’s passing. The years at ACI were some of my most wonderful memories and so enjoyed our time working together. He was a gentle soul but as many said he loved to compete. He so loved his family. May God give you comfort in the great time of need. Love, MP
It was an honor to have known Bill. Bill’s ability to cut through the noise of everything and get to what really mattered, whether that was a conversation, an event, or just an observation, was exceptional. I always appreciated is wit, incite, humor and timing. He knew what was right. He will be missed and will never be forgotten. With deepest condolences. Joe Klaus
What I loved most about Bill was his no nonsense style. I am his total opposite. I am nonsense. He would often smile when I was trying to explain something. I could tell I was getting it wrong, but. He never made me feel stupid. I often wished I could be more like him. A great man.
Theresa, and family,
Sorry for your loss of husband, friend, and father. It was sad to hear of Bills death; much too soon. I know he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you. In working with Bill and Theresa at ACI, Bill could always be relied on for assistance and advice. Quiet man; loud in action and support. Love you.
Bill may have been a man of few words, but you always knew exactly what he was thinking and how he felt about you. I will always remember his smile and you captured it in the picture posted with his obituary. Bill worked under me for most of my management career at ACI. I must confess that I was selfish and didn’t want anyone else to have him, as he was a top engineer and my favorite employee! He and I worked so well together and he was the true model of living ACI’s motto of “Work Hard, Play Harder”. No matter what the project deadline and the long hours we were working, Bill would make sure every single day to take his routine mid day break of exercising and then eating his brown bag sack lunch. He was so proud of all his kids and their accomplishments. He so adored you Theresa, and you were such a beautiful couple. May special memories of Bill help heal all of you during this most difficult time. Stay strong together as a family. Forever in heart, my dearest Bill.
Memories with Bill involved ACI sports. Bill was explosive in sports; no pulling back. Once, he spiked a wallyball so hard to my chest, I hit the floor & it knocked the wind out of me. There was tennis & sand volleyball & epic indoor soccer match-ups against the Brits. We took the “work hard, play hard” attitude seriously, & those sports leagues created lifelong friendships. On the men’s softball team, the guys started taking girlfriends who watched the games together. One by one, they married off, and then the kids came! The girlfriends/wives now watched softball games sharing parallel lives of proposals, weddings and babies. One summer, there were 8 babies born to the team: Hayes, Sherlocks, Bromms, Grandgenetts, Sailors, Mandels, Weitls, & Collins. About 17 years later, lots of graduations! . . .
A bit more. It was impossible not to like Bill. He was a class act and funny! Bill and Theresa were part of the ACI family back in the glory days. I often tell people I wish everyone could have a corporate work experience like we had in those days. We are so grateful to have known you so many years. Our hearts are offered to you, Theresa, Whitney, Natalie and Ryan. Kids, I hope you will hear many stories of your dad from others that reveal how we all felt about him, and other sides to his life in addition to being your loving and devoted father. One thing was very clear–he cherished and prioritized his role as husband and father, and was very proud if each of you. All our love, deepest sympathies and hugs for the pain you are feeling. He was one of a kind.
Theresa and family,
I had the pleasure of witnessing Bill as a wonderful husband, Dad, son in law, brother in law uncle and Godfather to my daughter. He wrote Theresa poems when they were dating. Their marriage was an example of LOVE. He was a complete family man. We enjoyed his wit and sense of humor. I have so many happy memories and the way he lived his life has taught me lessons. Bill will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
Love Karen and Rick
Hayes Family,
I am so blessed to call Bill my uncle and godfather. I’m going to miss watching him carve the turkey at Thanksgiving, eating his amazing French toast & pancakes, and most of all laughing at his hilarious one liners. He was a true example of someone who lived their life to the fullest. You all will continue to be in my prayers. We will miss his presence immensely but his memory will live on through all of you. I love you guys so much!
Theresa… I hope all the great memories help you and the kids get through this difficult time. He will always be with all of you. Prayers to you and the family and God Bless.
My deepest condolenses for your loss.
We are so sorry to hear about your loss!!! We are sending thoughts, hugs, and prayers!!!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m keeping you all in my prayers during this difficult time.
Theresa,
I was very sorry to about the death of Bill. Though I didn’t have a chance to meet him, it sounds like he was a wonderful husband, father and friend.. Love to you and your family in this very difficult time.
Hope to see you soon.
Wendy
We are both so shocked and saddened to hear about Bill’s passing. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Hayes Family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Bill will not be forgotten. More, he will be remembered over a pancake breakfast, on the golf course, on a long bike ride or as you look out over an amazing view during your travels. My prayers are with you during this difficult time. We will continue to celebrate his amazing life. Sending all my love and big hugs!
I am so sorry for your loss. Theresa, you and Bill were a great team and built an amazing family. He has left a mark on the hearts of many people and lived an exceptional life. I wish that I could have known him better. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
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