Amesbury, Massachusetts
The Man With the Surfboard
Robert Hayes sported a year-round tan because almost everywhere he went, he also sported his surfboard. It did not matter whether he was headed for business or pleasure.
In fact, his wife, Debbie Hayes, said it was not uncommon to see him walking through Logan International Airport in Boston in a business suit with a briefcase in one hand and his black-and-white surfboard in the other.
"It was kind of funny to see him," she remembered.
It was at Logan Airport that she saw him for the first time, actually, although she did not think he was so much funny-looking as cute, she said.
It was 1989 and he had missed his flight. She was the Trans World Airlines customer service agent who had the pleasure of re- booking him. She said that after he returned from his trip, he began to call her at the ticket counter — and it had nothing to do with air travel.
Twelve years and two children later (Robbie is 4 years old and Ryan is 8 months), Mr. Hayes, who was 37 and lived in Amesbury, Mass., devoted his time to his family, his work in sales at Netstal Machinery, a maker of compact disks, and, of course, surfing.
He walked through Logan Airport for the last time on the morning of Sept. 11, headed to Los Angeles on American Airlines Flight 11 for a business meeting.
Paul Carr here from Toledo Ohio Worked at Automatic Inspection Devices integrating our high speed cameras into their Compact Disk Machines. Bob and I were ages apart however I was in the Navy then worked for AID, and loved the water sailing/racing my Catalina 22 on Lake Erie! Remember him like it was yesterday. God Bless
Paul Carr
September 11, 2025
I am thinking of you Bob. I think of you often, but always on and around this date. Speaking of which, thank you so much for the sign you gave me while I was walking to an appointment on 9/9/25. I mentioned it in a post that I wrote, and shared it with your sister-in-law Lisa, just as I was about to write this note to you, she responded to that post. Thank you for always making yourself known at fitting times. Liz and I love you, and we think of Debbie and your sons every year. Not just...
Becky Warren
September 11, 2025
Once again, another year gone by. The world has gone mad and it is certainly a lesser place without you. Miss you very much old friend.
Christopher Navratil
September 11, 2025 | Longboat Key, FL | Friend
Another year, seems time is going faster than ever old friend. Thinking of you.
Christopher Navratil
September 11, 2024 | Longboat Key, FL | Friend
Thinking about ^Bob^ and his family 22 years later. Not a day goes by without being thought about and loved
Elizabeth Irene Warren
September 11, 2023 | Friend
Thinking of you tonight ^Bob^. Friends that we have in common connected with me tonight... and now, as a result, we also feel more connected. - both to each other - and to you, as a result. Love and miss you, Bob! Please keep watch over everyone. Forever in my heart... Becky Warren
Becky Warren
September 11, 2023
Hi Bob and Hi Debbie. You are both always in my thoughts and prayers. Much time has passed. Remembering the good times as neighbors and friends and hoping everyone is at peace here and above. Please reach out Debbie anytime. I hope the boys are doing well and would love to catch up. Best wishes. John Dziadosz.
John Dziadosz
September 11, 2023 | Methuen, MA | Friend
Robert Jay Hayes, I think of you quite often. Rolo, Marshall Simons Middle School. IA Tech grades 6-7-8, Teacher. I remember him always. God bless him.
Frank Rolinson
September 11, 2023 | Other
Well, another year has passed old friend and my memories of you are still vivid. I have been spending a significant of time working on a special project in North Andover. Every single time I fly into or out of Logan airport, you are on my mind. I have reconnected with quite a few friends at Netstal and they all think of you often.
Christopher Navratil
September 11, 2023 | Longboat Key, FL | Friend
