|
 Dennis Hayes, 72 of Indian River, MI passed away on November 22, 2020 at Petoskey, MI. Dennis was born October 25, 1948 in Detroit, MI to William F. and Princess Margaret (Walter) Hayes. He grew up in St. Clair Shores and attended school at Central Michigan University for a Masters in Education. On August 13, 1971, Dennis married Karin Lafata in St. Clair Shores. He served in the United States Navy from 1969 to 1971. Dennis taught school for almost 48 years, 28 to retirement and then 20 years of substitute teaching. He loved connecting with the students and attending all the sports events and other activities the students were in. Dennis had 4 children: Paul (Angela) Hayes of Rockford, MI, Kelly (Tim) Scarborough of Fayetteville, GA, Sandy (Carlos) Bermudez of Clearwater, FL, and Charlie (Tonia) Hayes of Lake Forest, IL. He dearly loved his family and 17 Grandchildren: Lauren, Sara, Joshua, Ryan, Audrey, Alex, Kendall, Nicolas, Julia, Annaliese, Carlos, Maggie Lynn, Will, Anna, Matthew, Molly and Andrew.
The Rev. William C. Lawrence of the Grace Baptist Church will officiate at a private Family memorial service.
|
David Wingfield
Dennis and I were friends since we met in grade school at Harmon. We played football together with the Black Knights, Chippewa junior high, and finally for Lakeview. Dennis was one tough son of a gun. He perfected both the submarine tackle and block as he played on both sides of the ball. As we were on our way to junior high Dennis wondered what position he would ultimately play. We needed a center so he and I practiced hours on his snapping. So many wonderful memories of him. I remember borrowing his glasses when we were bowling and discovering that I also needed them to distinguish the pins. It should also be noted that his nearby neighbors were Tommy Navarro, Randy Raymond, and Dennis Gramattico giving us a lot of fun on Star Valley street where they all lived. I also give my deepest sympathy to his wife Karin who I went to church and catechism with since we were probably 10 years old.
Grace Diliberti
Beautiful memories, Dave. Sharing them means a lot to his familly, I'm sure.
Grace
Karin Lafata (Hayes)
Thank you, Dave, for those beautiful memories. I can still see them as if they were yesterday! I remember that cold, snowy football game against Fraser! And Grace, thanks for weighing in. Decades have gone by since high school...I mean more than half a century - yikes!! But we'll always have the memories. Denny was truly special. He will be missed... Karin
Jeffrey Nowc
Semper Fortis! Sailor rest you oars.