Christian R. Hayes

Christian Russell Hayes, 56, of Canterbury, Connecticut, passed away unexpectedly on July 11, 2026. Born on March 6, 1970, in Hartford, Connecticut, Chris was the son of Frederick Marcus Hayes and Phyllis Eilene Hayes DeBolt. He spent his childhood in the rural town of Marlborough, where he and his brothers, Robert and Marcus, enjoyed the kind of upbringing that fostered both adventure and imagination. They spent countless hours exploring the woods behind their home, building forts, playing capture the flag, sledding in the winter, and riding the family's snowmobile. Those early years nurtured a creativity and curiosity that would remain with him throughout his life.

From an early age, Chris was drawn to making things. Whether sketching, building miniature models, assembling electric trains, or immersing himself in the worlds of science fiction and fantasy, he possessed both an artistic eye and an active imagination. He even starred in several homemade science-fiction films created by his older brother, enthusiastically embracing every opportunity to entertain.

That playful spirit never left him. Though naturally quiet and reserved, Chris quickly put others at ease with his warmth and gentle humor. Rather than being the loudest person in the room, he

delighted in creating memorable characters, funny voices, expressive faces, and perfectly timed impressions that left everyone else laughing while he somehow managed to stay completely in character. He always seemed to have another story to tell, another smile to share, or another way to brighten the moment.

Chris graduated from RHAM High School with the Class of 1988, where he earned a varsity letter as goalkeeper for the soccer team. He later worked at Route 85 Lumber before pursuing what would become both his profession and his lifelong passion.

Under the informal guidance of his stepfather, Paul Langlois, Chris developed an extraordinary talent for woodworking. What began as learning a trade became the pursuit of true craftsmanship. His workshop, filled with the comforting scent of fresh sawdust and every tool imaginable, was where imagination met skill. There he designed and built custom furniture, cabinetry, built-ins, home additions, and countless one-of-a-kind projects. His work became known for its quality, precision, and artistry.

His generosity was perhaps best reflected in what he built for others. Family members proudly fill their homes with furniture he crafted by hand, and family and friends often benefited from his willingness to spend his free time helping build decks, remodel kitchens, finish basements, or tackle whatever improvement project needed doing. Chris was happy to share his time, his talent, or his knowledge. He understood that the finest things we build are often those we build for someone else.

Chris also found deep satisfaction in his work as a carpenter at General Dynamics Electric Boat and as a proud member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Local 1302. The precision, patience, and craftsmanship required to help maintain and modernize the nation's submarines perfectly suited both his talents and his character. Although much of the work itself could not be discussed, he spoke with genuine pride about the skill and attention to detail it demanded.

In February 1996, Chris met Michele, the woman who would become his wife and his greatest partner in life. They were married on October 6 of that same year and soon began building the family that became the center of his world. Michele encouraged him to believe in himself, gently challenged him to step beyond his comfort zone, and helped him recognize abilities he often underestimated. Together they created a home filled with love, creativity, laughter, and unwavering devotion to their four children.

Chris was a patient and playful father and uncle who delighted in sharing the things he loved. He introduced his children to Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, Dungeons & Dragons, and the joy of creating with their own hands. Whether building elaborate LEGO sets, painting miniature figures, designing detailed costumes and armor, constructing walking sticks, or crafting furniture, he transformed hobbies into shared adventures. His son Parker especially enjoyed countless hours beside him in the workshop, learning not only woodworking but also the quiet satisfaction of doing something well.

His interests were wonderfully varied. He loved motorcycles, especially riding his KTM whenever the weather allowed. He was an avid fan of rock and grunge music, particularly System of a Down and Jack White. He enjoyed building detailed World War II models, collecting LEGO sets, creating remarkably authentic costumes— including an unforgettable Darth Maul—and spending time immersed in the worlds of fantasy and imagination. Whatever captured his interest, he approached it with enthusiasm, creativity, and meticulous attention to detail.

Chris also gave back to his community by coaching Norwich PAL soccer, sharing with young players the same love of the game he had developed as a goalkeeper years earlier. He believed in teaching patiently, encouraging quietly, and helping others discover confidence in themselves.

More than anything else, Chris will be remembered for the qualities that defined him throughout his life: his sensitivity, his generosity, his creativity, and his playful spirit. He possessed the rare gift of making beautiful things—not only from wood, but from ideas, imagination, laughter, and time spent with the people he loved. His legacy lives on in every piece of furniture that will become a family heirloom, every lesson passed on in his workshop, every story retold around the dinner table, and every smile inspired by memories of his unforgettable characters and impressions.

Chris is survived by his beloved wife, Michele; his children, Leah, Victoria, Parker, and Jillian; his mother, Phyllis Langlois; his brothers, Robert Hayes (Terry Oosterom) and Marcus Hayes

(Nicole Ruderman); his stepbrothers, Douglas Langlois (Katrina) and James Langlois (Ruth); and his mothers-in-law, Gloria Hollis and Theodora Grayson.

He was predeceased by his father, Frederick Marcus Hayes, and his stepfather, Paul Langlois.

A Celebration of Chris's life will be held on Saturday, July 25, from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Labenski Funeral Home in Norwich, Connecticut. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather in remembrance of a man whose craftsmanship, kindness, imagination, and quiet generosity touched so many lives.

Though the hands that shaped so much are now at rest, the things Chris built—and the lives he helped shape—will endure for generations