JUSTIN JOHN HAY

My name is Kristofer Phillips, I am from Pleasantville, PA now residing in Butler and I first met Justin at The University of Pittsburgh at Titusville through skateboarding.
I was a "townie" and my best friend, Brian and I, always looked forward to the new college school year to see if any new skateboarders would come to our town. This one year, Justin came through with his explosive skateboarding and all around smooth style. Although we were close in age, him being a few years older, he took me under his wing and taught me a lot about life as well as some technical skateboard tricks. I was so stoked that he actually liked me, being an awkward kid from a small town and all and his long-lasting impression, had helped form who I am today.
I can't express how sad I am this morning finding his obituary. I knew he wasn't the Facebook type so I did a Google search. I have looked for him for years, even asking a college friend from U.P.T if he knew how to get in touch with him. He hadn't talked to him either. I will never forget that "crooked smile" of his and yes, his sharp attitude but that was him. Always would tell you the way it was and he didn't sugar coat anything. That's what I liked the best about him, his brutal honesty.
I was driving through town with my mom the first time I saw him. We drove by and he ollied off a curb and did a late shove-it that was so high and smooth that I mentally freaked out. I couldn't wait to get home, call my friend Brian to go out and skate and to find this guy with that rad style. Justin was so awesome, I would try to emulate his style both on and off the board. That, to me, is the ultimate form of respect in looking up to someone.
He will be forever missed.