10/242024 You led a very colorful full life. I remember when you broke an ankle on your first and last skydive with me flying the airplane. 😁 You remain included in my daily nightly prayers good Kevin. I have not missed a day remembering and honoring you. You were always there for others. You had a special fondness for my son Monty and always wanted a son of your own. God came thru and blessed you with your good son. 🙏🙏✝️ Will always remain one of my dearest friends.  Blue skies from Captain America alias Bill Waldron 🤠

Another year. You’re still greatly missed. 💜

Kevin was one of my best friends in life. He was taken much too young. Picture was taken when Kev was flying international  
.. a touchy situation   ...   Kev  had to claim he was a Canadian in that risky circumstance.  A life of excitement and adventures.  Blue skies till we meet again my amigo.

Happy Birthday Kevin. 

You are greatly missed. 💜

It's been a couple of years and every time I drive through South Park I think of you Kevin. It's as if I'm in your valley when I'm in South Park. Your footprints are all over it. You are sorely missed by many.

Two years later   .. sure miss you Kevin.. one of my very best friends who was always there for me. A very good man.

A day to remember the times we had and to wish there had been more of them. You're always in my thoughts, Hayes.
Conor has big shoes to fill... which I am sure he will.

Another year my friend.

You are greatly missed, I’m thankful you remain in our hearts and minds.

just thinking about you, Kev, like I often do. 

 I made a donation to the Global Medical Relief Fund in memory of Kevin.

Today is your birthday my Friend. I pray you are at peace and that you know how much you are loved and how much you are missed. 

In the 40 years I knew Kevin, I saw only kindness, compassion, a unique insight and good-willed, playful humor.

Kevin helped hundreds of people throughout his life through his care and effort, without seeking recognition or expecting anything in return.

The world is less bright and joyful without Kevin, I am eternally grateful for the time we shared.

Kevin was a deep, kind and caring soul, he is, and will forever be, deeply missed.

I can still hear his laugh and hear his stories, I hope others who loved him will also hear him for the rest of their lives.

I’m so thankful that Kevin and Conor were able to bring such joy to each other’s lives.

I know Conor was the most important and most deeply fulfilling part of Kevin’s life.

Conor, Kevin will forever live in you and through you. As long as we remember Kevin and keep him in our heart, he will never be gone.

God bless you Kevin and thank you for being all that you were my Friend.

I met Kevin around 20 years ago when he began to come in to Fagan's restaurant occasionally for a Guinness and a meal.  We instantly became friends.  I was honored to introduce him to a few of my closest friends. He enjoyed  meeting  people and showed genuine interest in their lives.  He was always very kind... and charming.  Kevin was such a great conversationalist and could talk to anyone on any level.  He invited me to his house in Southeast Denver for dinner and we got to know each other better. Over the years we spent some quality time together, although now I wish it was more. The house on the hogback in Fairplay was such a great getaway with a killer stereo and a nice deck with a great view and I could use it whenever he wasn't up there; a testament to his generosity and hospitality.  I talked him in to a few concerts, to each other's house for dinner or a beer. I can't even put a number on the amount of times he visited my bar. I attended his wedding at a Russian Orthodox church in Denver and he came to my graduation at the Buffalo Rose in Golden. Sayulito was gifted to me.. Kevin hosted gatherings and I watched a few of Conor's football and basketball games. He was so focused on Conor and his progress in school and sports.  Whenever we talked he couldn't help boasting about Conor's recent achievements,  how big he was getting,  or his intellectual growth as a young man.  He was so proud of Conor and was such a loving father...Conor was his main priority and his "project" to guide and mold in to the young man he has become. Kevin was so involved in every aspect of Conor's development and the biggest tragedy is that he won't be able to continue that effort.... fortunately,  the groundwork has been laid.                 
     Kevin was so smart,clever, well - read,  interesting, funny, insightful, generous,  sarcastic..a great story teller. He lived a full, purposeful life... sadly,  it ended too soon. Cheers Kevin. I love you and already miss you.  Johnny

I just wanted to share another story. My dad was killed in Vietnam before I was born and a couple years Ago I took Kevin to my dads gravesite in Pueblo, C0 and a few months ago he told me he silently told my dad that he would love and protect his daughter for the rest of his life. For Conor, you have all of us who will do the same. We will love you and be there for you anytime you need us. Please reach out to any of us and know we are here just like Kevin made his promise to my dad. 

I still remember that day when a new kid came into our 6th grade class. Kevin quickly became one of my best friends and was soon one of the most popular kids in the class.  And he was definitely the unofficial class clown for the next few years!     Wild times in high school, Sean and Pete can attest to that! I won't go into details...  We all thought it was great when Karen and Kevin were elected President and Vice-President of the student council.  Not surprising  since Kevin was friendly with all the high school groups, the jocks, the nerds and of course the "freaks"!      Sandy and I had a fantastic time with Kevin on our trip to Sayulita in 2002. The two photos posted above of me and Kevin sitting at the table are from that trip. Like everyone else, Sandy loved Kevin.  And Joe and Sandy really hit it off, in fact I might have gotten a wee bit jealous when he started flirting with her!     There were many times when Kevin's re-assuring words and sage advice got me through some very difficult periods in my life.  Boy will I miss you Kev.    Ironically, the last time I spoke with Kevin was in May when he called on the day Sandy passed away to offer his condolences.  Goodbye dear friend.

Kevin and I flew 707's together at Ports of Call, and when they suddenly terminated all their flying, we were both almost immediately hired together at Buffalo Airways.  We flew down to Waco TX for the requisite company and aircraft training. In a preview of how Buffalo operated, when we got there we were each handed a stack of training attendance forms to sign, as well as tickets to Rio De Janeiro.  Surprised that our few weeks of training had been condensed into a few meetings, our new assignment was to go pick up a "new to Buffalo" 707 that was being purchased from the Brazilian national airline Varig.  We were told it would be a "down and back" overnight trip.  Boy were we--once again surprised--when the actual transfer of funds took something like 7 weeks.  In the meantime, and for the duration we were "stuck" at a very nice high rise hotel smack dab on Copacabana beach.   We had a helluva lot of fun together.  This photo was taken at the famous and huge "statue of Christ the Redeemer" in Rio.   

a funny, friendly old chum from school days, Spotswood and South River. God bless! 

I first met Kevin  10  years ago at a quiet local bar, Fagans, in Denver.  We both knew Johnny Friedkin the bartender. We soon became close friends enjoying bbqs, happy hours and watching Broncos games. He immediately nicknamed me Bobby Scott.   Kevin and I traveled together spending time in Costa Rica and Mexico. Last year I road shotgun for 5 days as we pulled his 36-foot trailer down to a sleepy coastal village, Los De Marcos, Mexico.    What a journey!  We were  held up by banditos,  paid off police, leaking radiator, blown tires and had Kevin’s car stolen just to name a few adventures. What ever we encountered Kevin always landed on his feet.  Kevin was a gentle and very generous easy going guy.   

Loyal, helpful, trust worthy friend. Many, many adventures. Great pilot! Fly high & enjoy eternity. Never another like you.  Dennis Y.

Dad,

I will love you forever and ever. You were my best friend. You were the best dad I could've ever imagined, you guided me through so much. I remember when you were working I'd stay up late to say "hey" to you after you got back from work and give you a hug.  Or the time when me and you were at the cabin and I caught my first fish with you, or when you were teaching me how to ride a bike and I fell. Or when me and Cougars won the national championship and Las Vegas and  we took a plane, while the rest of the team rode the bus, and you rented a Mustang and wanted to drift in the parking lot. Or when you were the coach for our flag team and we went undefeated and we won in overtime. 

Never in a million years did I think you would pass. I never wanted to stop making memories with you, Dad
I miss you so much. You have taught me so many amazing things I would have never learned any other way  and I appreciate it so much. I will never let our memories fade.

You were the most kind, loving person I have ever met, and I will never forget you and I just want to make you proud. Please look down on me and be proud, dad.

Please don't forget me whenever you are.
I love you more than you know. I will forever miss you.
Conor

Kevin, we will miss you every day. Without you, our lives are forever changed 
To you son Conor you have been the UNIVERSE, the best father, friend, mentor and a role model. 
You raised him in abundance of true love, you taught him so much through telling your wonderful stories. You created the most remarkable childhood for him, full of the happiest memories.
You are the most kind, generous and loving person, but above all you are an extraordinary FATHER.
Please look down on Conor, as he will be thinking of you and missing you every step of the way

Kevin Hayes, a pleasure, always, to be around. We first met at POC (Ports of Call Travel Club, in Denver) around the mid eighties, as crew flying all over the USA & the world. Friends for at least 35 years, & fond memories. Although our career paths diverged, we'd get together every couple of months when both in town. Sometimes we'd get an "out-of-the-blue" call from Kevin, & there he'd be standing IN our driveway, with a huge smile, holding a big stack of steaks and beers saying, "have time for a quick visit & BBQ?" He took our son canoeing, introduced him to fishing, invited us sailing, to share his Mexico place, spend time in South Park, his holiday parties - always the generous man. The jokes and laughter never stopped when Kevin was around - him making rather pithy observations on life, himself...& US, too. Comments always spot-on. Kevin always, always said he wanted a son; he called us when he knew about Conor and could hardly believe he'd be a dad. He was so very happy. We, and all who knew him, will deeply miss Kevin. We send our heartfelt love and sincere condolences to his family. 

Kevin always had a great sense of humor. On my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary , we stayed overnight on the Queen Mary. I got Kevin as a roommate. He had me laughing constantly.It was great seeing everyone at Connors championship football game here in Las Vegas. I remember Kevin, and myself back in Spotswood New Jersey , playing with sonny (the German Shepard), and swimming in the above ground pool.  Great memories that go way back. I will sorely miss my beloved uncle. God bless kev forever.

A note to say how much Kevin was loved and admired at Frontier.
Always enjoyable to fly with him and I will always cherish his friendship.
May he be in our Lord's "eternal peace and happiness" which has been promised to us all.
May you be comforted knowing the love + support you have thru family & friends. 
I will keep Kevin close in thought + prayer.
Marilyn 
Flight attendant 11-3-97 to 1-5-2018

Kevin was so much fun to fly with. After Conor was born, whenever I would fly with him, I would ask him how Conor was doing and he would whip out the pictures and catch me up. He was so, so proud of him. 
My prayers for you are that Lord will quickly health your hurt and ease your emptiness. 

Patty Davis, 
Frontier Flt. Att

Kevin, 
you passed so unexpectedly. You were not supposed to leave, it was not your time. You had so many plans. 
You left us full of sorrow, pain, uncertainty and emptiness in our hearts. We did not have a chance to to say good bye, to tell you how dear you are to us, how much we love and appreciate you. Please forgive us.
Bee


I was so sorry to hear that Kevin passed away. Always honored to fly with him! RIP Captain Hayes 

kevin,  miss you!!!  One of the smartest people ever!!  .  Brian Rice

I was very saddened to learn of the loss of a very good man. Kevin and I became acquainted back in 1996 when the Frontier Flight Attendants were trying to organize for a union. Kevin had a wealth of knowledge he shared with me to help the Flight Attendants obtain a union contract. He was a compassionate and caring man. He will be deeply missed. 
Kathie Weis

Kevin was introduced to me by our common friend Johnny Friedkin at the legendary Fagan’s at Downing & Evans.   Johnny was motivated by the potential chemistry for our conversation.  It was immediately apparent that Kevin was my kind of dude.  Both intensely and subtlety  genuine ,  smart and worldly (immensely more than me!) funny and quick wit & the gift of perception and presence in the moment.  I would’ve never guessed that a man of this stature would include me on his list of friends but he did.  Kevin valued the connection and the intelligence of his friends but I don’t think he cared too much about anyone’s particular background or age.   I’m 9 years younger.   From that 1st time when I would spy him sitting at the bar I would light up - getting to trade thoughts and conversation with this knowledgeable and worldly guy.   Another funny and important connection was that we both keep became fathers at an older age.  I was 46 when my first one came and I think he was even older than that.  He did it before me and he portrayed the intense importance and value of choosing to do such a thing and was encouraging and supportive to me the whole way into the process.  I believe Kevin was truly a people’s person. Although motivated for success and happiness it never seemed like his purpose was to ever feed his ego or insecurities.  He was much more into sharing a laugh or intelligent observation.  One of those people who are bigger than life which only adds to the shock of his sudden departure.   I got to speak on the phone for a couple hours to Kevin during the beginning of the pandemic.  I always felt more complete & assured after presenting my thoughts over his desk. He was both Big brother and fatherly,  but the best thing is he always talked straight across and never down to me.  He would never suffer fools but was always good at mixing and being one of the guys.  Always an asset to a group.  Love you, miss you.  You live on in our hearts. Love to Conner and Dani.  

We met Kevin 41 years ago in Rangely, Colorado, while attending Colorado Northwestern Community College.  It did not matter how many days, months, or years passed between our visits.  The fun picked up right where it left off. Fairplay will not be the same with out you down the street. You will be missed friend.

Kevin was a wonderful person. He was always there for me when I needed a voice of reason or guidance through life. He shared with me great adventures and excitement.

With Kevin in this world, there was always someone to rely on no matter the circumstance.

Thank you Kevin for looking after me for all these years. You taught me the importance of placing value upon the lives of others. Your attention and support meant more than anyone will ever know.

I will always hold you close to my heart.

From Kevin's friends at La Parota RV Park, Lo de Marcos, Nayarit...We send our heartfelt condolences to Kevin's  family and friends, and especially Danny.  Kevin came to La Parota only last year, and he seemed to know right away what a special place it is.  We hardly had time to get to know Kevin and Danny, and are so sad to hear of Kevin's passing.   He was a bigger than life character, with a warm heart and humor extended to all his RV neighbors.   We wish him God Speed and endless ocean adventures.  He will be missed.  Christine and Tony Kovacic, Alex and Lorraine, Heather and Peter, Eric and Gayle.

To say Kevin Hayes was a character is a gross understatement. Likewise, he was  giving and generous; he was both almost to a fault. 

I met Kevin around 2000, he was dating a flight attendant who was friends with my wife, Gina, and we had dinner together. It so happens that this very restaurant was one of the first places that Gina and I had one of our first dinners together 25 years earlier—it was meant to be. Kevin and I hit it off immediately and soon got to talking about hunting. He told me of a ‘secret hunting ground’ where he hunted and had had very good success, which of course was of keen interest to me. It must’ve been the next year that we put in for a license for that same area and my friend John and Kevin were successful drawing tags, but I was not. I met them up there nonetheless and acted as a Sherpa. It was very dry that year and I don’t believe that either of them had any success.  Over the years though that turned out to be a very successful, productive hunting area for us. Seeing herds of elk herds of 3-500 was a spectacular, but not uncommon, sight. We had many adventures and Kevin was always in the middle of them. Getting stuck in the snow, having flat tires without the proper lug nut wrench, and emergency brakes stuck on, are among the many memorable times we had hunting. Kevin was always very optimistic and always had a “can-do”, “git’er done” attitude. 

Hunting was a great and the most common time for us to be together, but we also had fishing trips together and vacation trips to Mexico. Kevin’s approach and attitude never varied, he was always very positive and always moving forward. He always had a lot of friends and more stories than we could ever hear. His stories sometimes verged on the edge of unbelievable, but they were 
always, always entertaining.

I already miss him and that is something that will not go away.  Rest In Peace My Friend.

Thank you, Kevin for your good heart you opened to our family and taking Danny under your wings and teaching our boys to become a real men. You will be missed dearly ....

I’ll miss you uncle Kevin. I enjoyed our talks about family history and the great Mexican food we shared. Condolences sent from myself, Wayne, Ben, and Matthew as we all work through this loss. Blessings 

Kevin "Up top Of The Mast" Checking Radio Antenna

This is from when we sailed that boat up the U.S. coast from Port Royal Sound in South Carolina to Annapolis Md on the Chesapeake Bay almost 700 miles.

Kevin Gets New Name On Sailboat "Samba"

I’ve known Kevin since the early 80’s , when he was a new flight instructor in Grand Junction. Always generous, with a great sense of humor. We were classmates at Frontier Airlines, and compatriots in the effort to improve working conditions. We were successful in this endeavor, largely due to Kevin’s talents. We remained good friends throughout. I’ll always consider him a friend. He’ll be missed,...............he’ll, I miss him already!




Lots of fond memories of a good friend and co-worker. You will be missed Kevin. Blue skies and tailwinds. 

I met Kevin in the early 80"s when he was at the start of his pilot career flying skydivers.  Kevin wanted to make a skydive so I flew the Cessna 206 and Kevin jumped.  Well, Kevin broke his ankle on his first and only skydive   ... sidelining his flying for awhile. We became lifelong friends.  Kevin was well known in the aviation community among professional " big airplane pilots".  Years later, In 2006, I was going thru a difficult time in life and Kevin helped that situation.  Off to Sayulita, Mexico we went where Kevin was well established.  It was one of the best trips of my life, thanks to Kevin.  We have shared many other  colorful adventures (some we can talk about, others not)   in which we always had fun because of Kevin  .....  always a great sense of humor no matter the circumstances. Kevin always told me he hoped one day he would be blessed to have a son like my son Monty, who he was close with.  Well, that day came, with Kevin's son now growing up to become a good man ...  all that Kevin could ask for.  Kevin was always there to help others and remains one of my best friends in this journey of life, and one of the best humans I have been gifted to know.. I say a prayer daily for dear Kev (and his great son who will surely meet the expectations of his dad and do wonderful things with his gift of life).  The picture is Kevin and Smokin Joe in Mexico.  "Smokin Joe "was rumored to be the last of the train robbers who hid out in Mexico for the remainder of his days in a beautiful setting.

The good die young. Thank you Kevin for teaching all our students to fly. God's speed Kevin, thank you. Don't forget to check your mags. Ron

Thank you for being my biggest supporter and partner for almost 7 years. I can’t imagine my life without you but you always told me I was stronger than I realized, so I will believe that. We were planning our next chapter in life together and I couldn’t wait and I will hold you forever in my heart. I love and will miss you KRH! 

Such sad news about a great old friend. I thought we would have plenty of time to hang out together again after so many years spent apart. I’m so grateful he came to visit me in Tennessee last year. It was like we were never apart though the last I saw Kevin was in the summer of 1972 when just after high school graduation we went to camp out in Tennessee, him on his Honda 450 motorcycle and me in my VW fastback. Upon parting, he went out west and I went back to our hometown. Almost 50 years later and yet the familiarity and friendship made those years disappear. I miss you Kevin and all the great and crazy times we had. 

Kevin was a quick. He enjoyed telling Art Carney jokes complete with New York slang.  He loved his Kahuna chair.   He rarely wondered away from it.  He was extremely generous and treated everyone evenly-even the banditos who held us up last year in Mexico 

What a depressing shock when I heard the news from Pete Montanti today. My old best friend from childhood, we had just been speaking a few days before about going to Mexico when all the bad madness is over. A kindred spirit except with a lot more guts than I ever had, always willing to aim high and take a shot.

I remember Sunday mornings, when we would tell our parents we were going to 6AM Mass (as they expected) and would go uptown Spotswood and steal a couple donuts from the just-delivered box that sat in front of Kostolani's before he opened the store. And then sit by the lake and talk about everything and nothing...much more pleasant than a boring sermon and rote rituals.
Hopping trains by the bend in the tracks...swimming in the river...pinball at A&L's...running away to the Powder Ridge Festival in 1970...the Bangla Desh concert...that damn MG that was always breaking down...and then him leaving right after high school to follow his dreams.
Take care brother, safe journey home, and save a donut for me.


OBITUARY

Kevin Richard Hayes

December 18, 1954 – October 24, 2020

Olinger Hampden Mortuary, Cremation & Cemetery

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