Robert-Hayes, Jr.-Obituary

Photo courtesy of Peaslee Funeral Home - Farmington

Robert Winslow Hayes, Jr.

Dec 4, 1946 - Nov 15, 2024

Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Bob was a great friend and neighbor. I knew him for approximately 66 years and will miss him. I remember hearing him playing guitar in his teen years and how worried I was when he got drafted and went to Vietnam.
He took great care of his mother in her later years. He was a great son.
He will be missed.

May you rest in peace my friend I was glad to spend you last day at home talking about the old days and letting my family hunt your beautiful land for many years you will definitely be missed by many

I attended N. H. T. I. In Portsmouth with Bob. Many happy memories of riding together with Larry, Gary , Bob and mine self . A good man.. I send prayers and Thoughts to the family... John D. Gray.. Pittsburg, N.H.

Very sorry to hear of Bob's passing. An FHS 64 classmate, Bob was quiet and laid-back, with a dry sense of humor and always with a smile. My sincere condolences.

R. I. P. old Buddy !!

Obituary

Robert's Obituary

Robert Winslow Hayes, Jr. of Farmington, New Hampshire died on November 15, 2024 at Portsmouth Regional Hospital shortly after suffering a heart attack. He was 77.

He was born in 1946 in Rochester to his parents Robert and Florence (Evans) Hayes.

After graduating from Farmington High School, Bob attended New Hampshire Technical Institute until he was drafted into the Army and deployed to Vietnam. He served in the 6th US Army as a cook for three years and was honorably discharged after having earned a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and two O/S bars.

After returning to his family’s farm in Farmington, Bob cooked at Dot’s Lunch in New Durham until he was given the opportunity to apprentice at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard to become a toolsmith, where he worked until his retirement. 

He carried his precision metalworking home with him, building a shop with a metal lathe front and center. He also enjoyed auctions, where he would find tools but also collected guns. He enjoyed restoring the checking on rifles so he could beautifully refinish the stocks to heirloom quality. Bob wasn’t a hunter, but he enjoyed target shooting and being outdoors.

Bob embodied the spirit of rural New Hampshire. He was a handy person, being both mechanically inclined and endowed with a green thumb. He was an animal lover who didn’t need to look for a pet—cats chose him, and his family fondly remembers Bob’s soft spot for strays and some of the key ones who provided companionship.

He is survived by his friend and former spouse of 10 years, Carol (Tibbetts) Hayes and sons Bob and Chris. 

There will be a graveside service at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 23 at Pine Grove Cemetery followed by a reception at the Farmington House of Pizza in the downstairs function room.

To express condolences, please visit: www.peasleefuneralhome.com 

 

Read More