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Thomas Michael Hayes

Thomas Hayes Obituary

Hayes,Thomas Michael
Colonel, USA (Ret.), On June 1, 2009 in Falls Church, VA. Thomas leaves behind a loving family including Lana Robertson Hayes, his beloved wife of 34 years; caring son Patrick Michael Hayes; siblings James Patrick Hayes, Sharon Hayes Keller (Dan), David Christopher Hayes and John Joseph Hayes, Jr (Christine); dear mother Mary Rambler Hayes; and an extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins that will all miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his father, John Joseph Hayes, Major General, USA (Ret.). Tom was a West Point graduate, Class of 1969. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, retiring after 30 years as a Colonel. A Master Aviator, Tom was deployed abroad in Vietnam, Korea and Germany, and earned a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Air Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device and many other accolades for his bravery in combat. Following his military retirement, Tom went to work in the private sector, becoming the Director of International Business Development for Inter-Coastal Electronics in his ten years with the firm. He continued his affiliation with the military as an active member of the Army Aviation Association of America for over thirty years. Tom was an avid sports fan, enjoying the solitude of long distance running and the camaraderie of golf. He spent many happy hours attending the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Cardinals and Arizona Diamondbacks games. He had his private pilot's license and flew small fixed wing aircraft and gliders. A member of the Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa, Tom was an usher and participated in a mission trip to Ukraine. He also took pleasure in volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, helping build several houses. Burial with Full Military Honors will take place at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Tom's memory to Habitat for Humanity.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Jun. 7, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Hayes

22 Entries

Shirley Scott-Tullar

July 6, 2009

Tom Hayes was an incredible human being - bright, witty, warm, a raconteur of rare talent with far too many other attributes to list here. It was our extraordinary good fortune to have known him.
Shirley and Norm

Amy Caldwell Hoffman

July 1, 2009

It is never easy to say goodbye to a special person, especially when they must leave us too soon. I feel honored to have known Tom and blessed that he became part of our extended family when he married Lana. He was someone of great strength and courage, but also someone who would make you laugh and feel so comfortable. He will be greatly missed. I will keep Lana, Patrick, and Tom's family and friends in my thoughts and prayers.

Casey Brower

June 26, 2009

Tom was my roommate at West Point and a dear friend and fellow comrade in arms. Our lives have been sadly diminished by the loss of this brave,principled, generous and fun-loving man. Well Done, Roomie. Be Thou at Peace.

Phyllis Welch

June 24, 2009

I am speaking for the relatatives of Lana and Patrik from Indiana and Colorado. Our hearts are broken with you Lana, Patrick and Tom's loving family. We all believe that Tom was a wonderful happening for our entire family and will always remember him as the caring person in time of sickness, the fun person in the time of gatherings and the perfect escort in showing us new horizons. Love is strong and never broken.
The Hiatts
The Caldwells
The Hoffmans
The Spykers
The Welches

Robert C. Anderson

June 15, 2009

I am having a hard time expressing my thoughts in the loss of such a good person and friend. Even though the years have taken us apart, I have always had a kindred spirit with Tom. He worked hard, played hard and loved much. He was a true leader and I'm proud to call him "friend". He was like a brother..I never had. Tom will be missed by all who knew him...but we have fond memories which will always be cherished. You touched my life, Tom, as well as all who came to know you. God's Speed!

Jim Quimby

June 13, 2009

Tom was my best friend in High School and he visited me a few years ago here in Hawaii. Just before he passed I had a compelling feeling to contact him but could not reach him. When I finally called his office I was informed he died the previous day. I wish we could have talked one more time buddy. God bless you, you were one of my heroes.

Greg Lundberg

June 10, 2009

I had the honor of working with Tom during the past three years at ICE. I admired Tom's work ethic, optimism and sharp intellect. Nothing much got by him. Tom set a good example for all of us. The Wednesday morning Bible study will miss him!

From one aviator to another, Tom, may your skies be ever blue and your weather enternally fair!

Randy Andrus

June 10, 2009

It is clear that Tom was a God fearing man, with a firm belief in His son and His redemptive act of atonement. Christ's perfect example of love and kindness was also evident in how Tom chose to live his life. He was kind and cheerful and always had a friendly smile. I enjoyed knowing him and getting to know Lana.
I suppose Lana will miss you most, but you have left more than an empty office with your associates; our hearts felt an emptiness as well and ached at the news. You, our friend and confidant who often played Master of Ceremony, (and I might add, played it well) are now in the hands of the Master of all. Those same hands that were pierced for all of us, may they now strengthen, support and comfort those who long for you. May those who seek solace when there is none, be comforted and have their feeble knees strengthened and hands that hang down lifted. And may His coutenance smile upon you.
Ciao, Amico mio

Clem Greek

June 9, 2009

I met Tom as a young Captain when I worked for him as his assistant S-3 in the 101st Avn Group in 1985. Tom was a great leader, quiet and patient. I credit him with my second career in the defense industry as he was the one that told me of a small orgainization in Orlando called Project Manager for Training Devices that would be a great follow on assignment after Korea. Two tours at PEO STRI later I retired and and still here.

I am so grateful I got to see Tom again during my visit to Scottsdale a few months ago.

A great patriot, soldier, son, father and husband. What more could a man ask for?

Bob Hurley

June 9, 2009

Tom is flying in smoother and clearer skies now. Thank you for being my friend and rest in peace until we meet again.

Erin Stadtfeld

June 9, 2009

Tom was a rare man, and much loved. He was the ultimate role model: he was honest, generous, open-hearted, kind to a fault, strong as a rock, tough as nails and yet gentle as a human can be. In the ten years I knew him I never once saw the man compromise something that he believed in. Tom was a man of grace and will be sorely missed. May a lifetime of memories give strength to Lana and his family in the days ahead.

May god take his soul in his arms and welcome him home.

Tom you will be truly missed.

Marty Spitzel

June 9, 2009

I am so sorry to hear the news about Tom, I am very greatful that are paths in this life had the opportunity to cross I know I am a better person for having known Tom. I always enjoyed talking and working with him. He was so easy to get along with he had a way about him that put you at ease, he always treated everyone with respect it was never apparent that he was a Colonel or a Director, he was simply Tom as genuine as they come and he will be greatly missed.

God bless you Tom and God bless his family.

Sue Brunner

June 9, 2009

I also did not know Tom as well as many but I will always remember the man who smiled on his way in the door at work and the man who invited me to his church for lent service. He is with our lord now, and I will miss you my friend, my Phoenix Sun's buddy.

Randy Norris

June 9, 2009

I did not know Tom but I am sure he was a good man to his family and friends. Thank you for your service and sacrifice Tom.

Scott McPherson

June 8, 2009

I didn’t know Tom as well as many of you. But I was very saddened to learn of his passing.

Tom was the type of person that made you better, just by his acquaintance. Often, I’d come away from a conversation with Tom, coaching myself, “I want to more like Tom in (this) regard or (that) regard.” I never heard Tom complain. Ever. In fact, had Tom not missed a few months of work following surgery a couple of years ago, I never would have known he was ill.

Tom was fun to be around. The day we met, he walked past my desk at work, and noticed my Washington Redskins mug. He had to stop and introduce himself. Little did I realize, that just a minute later, I’d be at his desk, gawking at one of his prized possessions: a football, signed by a few famous former Redskins. I’m sure we looked like a couple of 12-year-olds, drooling over that football.

A few months ago, he approached me at work. He had this look in his eyes like something big was happening. If you know Tom, you know that look: pure, transparent joy, like you normally only see on a child’s face. He had a couple of extra tickets to a Phoenix Suns game, and wanted to know if my son and I wanted to go to the game. I don’t know who was more excited. Tom loved sharing, and when he could share one of his joys with someone, I don’t think anything made him happier. The Suns lost, but my son and I will never forget how we came to attend our first NBA game.

My happiest moment with Tom came when I learned that we were brothers. Tom and I were both transformed by the saving grace of Christ Jesus. While Tom’s loss is hard to take, I can at least take comfort in knowing that Tom is now happier than he’s ever been.

To all those that cared for Tom, Godspeed!

Scott McPherson

JD Webster

June 8, 2009

Tom, my leader, my mentor, my friend. You live on in the lessons so freely given, the example of courage I can only aspire to possess, and the love for life which radiates still in the hearts of those who have had the great pleasure of knowing you.

Michael Fagg

June 8, 2009

Heaven is rejoicing, Tom has arrived, the angels are singing and Tom has finally seen the face of Jesus. We will miss you my friend, I enjoyed our walks together, sharing our faith in bible study and sports trivia. We will meet again, rest in peace.

Your little sis

June 7, 2009

For a most wonderful brother and friend - time and space may separate us but the bond of family will never be broken. May the smile of God light you to glory. Until we meet again....Love, S1

Brother Dave

June 7, 2009

Although we can no longer talk, you'll always be with us. I'll miss you but I'm happy you and Dad, can fly together again. God's Peace be with you.
Love, B3

Kimberly Raymer

June 7, 2009

You had a twinkle in your eye and love for your wife and son in your heart -- and it showed.

June 7, 2009

See you on the high ground.
Wlliam H. Bryan, Col, USA, (Ret.)
La Quinta, CA

florence robertson hiatt

June 7, 2009

Oh Tom, it is with great reluctance that I bid you farewell!! Perhaps you are needed in that undiscovered country where we cannot go with you. Remember all of us, as we will always remember you.
Florence Robertson Hiatt

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