Stephen Hayes, 74

Stephen Robert Hayes, 74, of Coeur d’Alene, passed away Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at the Schneidmiller Hospice House. He was born on April 2, 1947 in Spokane, Washington to Robert and Genevieve Hayes.

Stephen grew up in Spokane where he learned a hard work ethic at an early age. He began working the vegetable farms in Bigelow Gulch as a thirteen-year-old. He carried this drive into high school where, in his junior year, he joined the Navy Reserves. He graduated the next year from Shadle Park High School in 1965, and within months reported for active duty. He was stationed in Pearl Harbor and later deployed to Vietnam. He served on a submarine rescue ship off the coast of the Asian Pacific. He became close with many of his comrades as they connected in an experience that was unique to them. After his years of service, he returned to Spokane and started working for Washington Water Power where he remained for over 35 years. He started as a backhoe operator and ended his career in natural gas service.

In 1973 he met his wife in a chance meeting and was married just eight months later in April of 1974. They welcomed their first child, Michael, in 1976. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Coeur d’Alene and welcomed their second child, Stephenie, in 1980.

Steve was an active community member as a Charter Member of the Hayden Eagles and part of the Rathdrum VFW. Steve had this incredible laugh that was contagious and brought joy to any room. Nobody was a stranger to Stephen; in fact, he could make friends with anyone. The family continually warned the newcomers about getting stuck in “Hayes corner”, where he would keep you for hours asking you all about your life. You could put him on a park bench, and he would make 50 new friends. He was often known as “Hayser” on the job, or “Chief” by Stephenie’s college friends.

Steve made his family laugh with his love for tools, not that he used many of them, but he had them all! He would repair his 1972 Plymouth Roadrunner and pull out parts of the engine and somehow always had a few extra parts left over! He was continually fixing things from the cabin, to the cars, to the house. Sherry was thrilled when Stephenie married Michael who took over all the “fixing” of things, leaving Steve to the supervising duty.

Stephen enjoyed the outdoors where he hunted, fished, and camped with his family. He loved the family’s lake cabin in Deer Lake where he enjoyed a good WWII book as he sat on the deck enjoying the view of the lake. Stephen was an avid reader even up to his last days. He also loved watching NASCAR, especially driver Jeff Gordon. After retirement, Stephen volunteered at Skyway Elementary School in a first-grade classroom where he loved working with kids and was honored for his service.

Steve had one precious grandchild, Logan, who he absolutely adored. They were two peas in a pod constantly playing and interacting with one another.

Stephen is preceded in death by his mother and father; brother, Robert; and sisters, Kelly and Robin. He is survived by his wife, Sherry; son, Michael; daughter, Stephenie; son-in-law, Michael; and grandson, Logan. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews as well as extended family.

Special thanks to the staff of Hospice, especially Donna, Jake, Jennifer, Bob, and Ben. Donations may be made in Steve’s honor to the Schneidmiller Hospice House, 2290 W. Prairie Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815 (www.hospiceofnorthidaho.org).

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at Yates Funeral Home – Hayden Chapel, 373 E. Hayden Ave., Hayden, ID 83835. Please visit Steve’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com