Tapani "Tapi" Hayrinen

Tapi was a good friend and fierce competitor on the tennis court. I played tennis at Wake at the same time that Tapi did, and we shared many experiences together. Tapi had a friendly way with people, and made many friends throughout his years. I will never forget one time in Hilton Head, where we arranged to play a doubles match. I had not played tennis much, and so didn't really pay much attention. My wife and I rode bikes and roller bladed much of the day, and when I called Tapi to...

I remember Tapi had a really energetic, positive outlook. He would often say, "I am left-handed" even though he played tennis right-handed. I think it was just a humorous opening line. We loved Tapi here at Wake Forest.

Tapi had the free-est spirit I ever knew. He taught me as a WASP AMERICANO how to be European and relax! It served me well when I played the ATP Satellite Tour in the late 70´s. He was my BF on the WFU Varsity Team. We all loved him!

Tapi - my closest and dearest friend my senior year at Salisbury HS-1972/73. I can´t begin to express the impact he had on my life in that short 14 months and thereafter. A friendship that was built on love, laughter, fun and the strongest of bonds. My heart aches for his death but my life´s journey is all the richer because of him. He has left us too soon. Rest well my friend.

Unfortunately, I did not really know him, but am impressed beyond measure through the testimonies of so many friends, colleagues & classmates that he indeed must have been an incredible person to know.

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Tapi and I were @ Salisbury High together and were chosen by the Industrial Management Club to participate with a group of area students to tour local business. When we went to the old Cannon Mills Swink plant, Tapi pulled out his Finnish-English dictionary. I asked him, "What are you looking up?" He replied, "I want to find out what is 'Swink'." I laughed and said, "Well, when you find out, please let me know." I then explained the origin. I smiled about that when I saw his obituary. ...