JOSHUA STEVEN "JOSH" HAYES

1976 - 2007

Joshua Steven Hayes lost his battle with alcoholism on Wednesday, April 18, 2007 after an all-too-brief, yet meaningful life. He was 30 years old.

Josh was born on August 30, 1976 in Seattle, Washington. He was the second of two children born to Steve and Cheri Hayes. He grew up and attended school in Sedro-Woolley, Washington graduating from Sedro-Woolley High School in 1994. Josh was a very bright and accomplished college student. He received an Associate of Arts degree from Skagit Valley College and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from Western Washington University. He worked a variety of jobs since completing his degree and had planned to return to WWU to obtain his Masters Degree.

Josh had a gentle spirit and was admired for his quiet, yet sincere interest in family and close friends. He was modest and shy with his own special sense of humor. He was caring and loving. Those close to Josh could feel his compassion and concern for those around him. He communicated not so much with words, but more by listening and understanding. he was a soft-spoken man, but one who made all those who encountered him, feel appreciated and at ease.

Growing up, Josh enjoyed many of the typical things any kid would in Skagit County. He played baseball and soccer, rode his motorcycle, camped with his family and cared for his pets. Josh taught himself to draw and became an excellent artist. Josh enjoyed beating his dad at Jeopardy and his mom in cribbage and Scrabble.

Josh was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Howard Hayes, maternal grandparents, Cliff Fulker, Dorothy Fulker and one cousin Marisa Winnie.

Josh leaves behind his parents, Steve and Cheri Hayes; his brother and best friend, Jacob; grandmother, Gladys Hayes Conrad; grandfather, Chuck Conrad; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.

Memorial services will be private. Interment will be at Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Skagit Recovery Center, 1905 Continental Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 or to a favorite charity.

In memory of Josh: Love your family and friends, be a good listener, be sincere, be compassionate, be gentle, live modestly and care for others. This is who Josh was and this is how to remember and honor his life.