David Michael Hayes

1955 - 2014

David Michael Hayes

On March 20, 2014, a dear friend, counselor, brother, uncle, father and son, David Michael Hayes, was ushered into eternity while doing what he loved. That evening he had attended an N.A. meeting, after which he counseled a young person to choose recovery, not drugs. David was then riding his Harley home when he was hit from behind. David was born Feb. 12, 1955, in Indianapolis, the son of Kenneth D. and Norma L. Paul Hayes. He lived in Indiana for the first four years of his life, then moving to Beaumont, Calif., with his family in 1959. He attended elementary, junior high and two years of high school in Beaumont. Dave enjoyed playing Little League ball, piano, trumpet and football. In 1971 the Hayes family moved to Yucca Valley where David finished high school. Later he attended C.O.D. and National University. He served honorably in the U.S. Navy. In October 1984 he married Margie Drake; she predeceased him in December 1984. He was an experienced mechanic who worked with his father at Hayes Arco. David then found his lifelong calling as a primary counselor at Betty Ford Center, Morongo Mental Health, Malibu Ranch and Panorama Ranch. During his 29 years of sobriety, Dave counseled hundreds. He was a member of N.A. and he was always helping others on their road to recovery. He is survived by his wonderful son, Zach Hayes of Palm Springs; parents Kenneth and Norma Hayes of Yucca Valley; two sisters, Sheila (Dr. Robert) Wines of Beaumont and Christey (Bruce) Hayes Burton of Calimesa; nephew Dr. Matthew (Bambi) Wines; niece Heather Stephens of Calimesa; two great-nephews; four great-nieces; numerous aunts, cousins and his "Indiana family" who will greatly miss his spontaneous humor. A celebration of David's life will be held April 12 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at Covington Park in Morongo Valley (behind the fire station). Bring chairs and carpool. Donations can be sent to Fundrazer.com. (Search Dave Hayes.) Always remember that according to Dave, "I never had it so good!"

To view or sign this guestbook, please visit: mydesert.com/obituaries