Richard F. Hayes

Richard F. Hayes, lovingly known as Rich, passed away unexpectedly on November 8, 2026, at Longs Peak Hospital in Longmont, Colorado. After eight days in the ICU, he faced numerous health challenges, and despite every effort, his body simply could not fight any longer. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories, friendships, and a family who loved him dearly.

Rich was born May 11, 1944, in Longmont to Lawrence and Catherine (Lickteig) Hayes. Longmont was home, and it was where his story began. He attended St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and went to school there through eighth grade before continuing his education at Longmont High School, graduating in 1962.

Rich learned the value of hard work at an early age. He had a paper route and later worked at Mrs. Harvey's bakery. Growing up, he and his siblings were expected to earn their own money, a work ethic that stayed with him throughout his entire life.

Following graduation, Rich joined the United States Navy, ready to see the world. After basic training in San Diego, he was assigned to the USS Klondike and later advanced to Petty Officer Third Class aboard the USS Constellation (CVA-64). His time in the Navy took him to Hawaii, Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Okinawa, and Vietnam during the war, including service during the Gulf of Tonkin conflict.

On February 20, 1965, Rich married his childhood sweetheart, Barbara Ehlert. The two had dated for seven years before beginning their life together. During his Navy years, they lived in San Diego and Bremerton, Washington, where they enjoyed being close to the ocean. Fishing, clam digging, and clam bakes with good friends created some wonderful memories. Rich remained aboard the Constellation until his honorable discharge on September 16, 1966. He then returned home to meet his three-month-old son, Randy, for the very first time. Six years later, their family was completed by the arrival of their second son, Ryan.

After returning to Longmont, Rich worked at Sherwood Enterprises before joining the Longmont Fire Department. This became a career he took tremendous pride in. Through dedication and hard work, he advanced to the rank of Captain. He genuinely loved his job and the people he worked alongside. After 27 years of service, he retired from the fire department. Retirement didn't mean slowing down for long, however. Rich went on to work at Woodley's Fine Furniture, alongside both of his sons, until age 65.

While Rich worked hard throughout his life, he also knew how to enjoy it. He loved camping, fishing, hunting, and traveling with family and good friends. He and Barb shared many wonderful adventures, including numerous cruises with their dear friends, Bob and Sue Lang. Whether enjoying the outdoors, traveling somewhere new, or simply spending time with the people he loved, Rich was the happiest making memories with those closest to him.

Above all else, family was everything to Rich. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He never missed his kids' activities and was always there to support and cheer them on. He and Barb were blessed with four grandsons and one granddaughter, and in more recent years, the joy of welcoming a great-grandson and great-granddaughter. His family was his greatest accomplishment and the source of his greatest happiness.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Catherine Hayes; brother-in-law Mike Breth; and Barb's parents, Bill and Blanche Ehlert.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Barbara (Barb) Hayes; sons, Randy (Sarah) Hayes and Ryan (Rachel) Hayes; brothers, David (Marcia) Hayes and Ron (Dee) Hayes; sisters, Carol Breth and Kathy (Ty) Collins; brother-in-law John (Sandra) Ehlert; sister-in-law Shirley Ehlert

He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Connor, Sawyer (Heather), Brandon, Booth, and Sloan Hayes; his great-grandchildren, Grayson and Lylah; along with many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and wonderful friends.

Rich lived a full life built on hard work, service, adventure, and an unwavering love for his family. He was a proud Navy veteran, dedicated firefighter, a loyal friend, and, most importantly, a family man. His absence leaves a tremendous void, but the stories, laughter, lessons, and memories he leaves behind will live on in all who knew and loved him.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Rich to the American Diabetes Association or the American Macular Degeneration Foundation.

A Simple Gathering with Military Honors will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Wednesday, November 25, 2026, at Howe Mortuary & Crematory located at 439 Coffman Street, in Longmont, Colorado.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com for the Hayes family.