Daniel Wayne Hayes

Born in Westbrook to Arthur H. and Bertha (Duprey) Hayes on 2/17/44. Dan was raised with his 5 siblings in the Morrill’s Corner neighborhood in Portland and attended Portland Schools. Friendships made through those years were treasured and lasted a lifetime. He met his future wife Bonnie Murdoch before joining the Navy at 17 and served honorably with Fleet Tactical Support Squadron One in Maryland until his discharge on 2/16/65.

Dan and Bonnie married at St. Lakes Cathedral on July 29, 1967, soon settling in South Portland and raising a family. Dan was a family man, a loving husband, and father to David and Danielle. He had a strong work ethic, never left a job undone, and never gave less than his best in everything he did. Meticulous, particular, stubborn, opinionated, and utterly charming.

Dan was kind, loving, talented, a good friend and employee, funny, witty, curious, gregarious, a storyteller, a lover of beer, a gentleman. All in one.

Dan was well-known along the South Portland waterfront through his career as a Marine Oil Terminal Operator and his boating years enjoyed with family and friends. He loved the water and made a point of watching sunrise over the beach as often as possible.

After losing Bonnie to cancer in 1997 Dan retired and worked as a landscaper with a local company only to return to the oil business, retiring finally from Global Oil in South Portland in 2006. Alzheimer’s disease stole his life away before he could fully enjoy retirement, but he did finish projects, enjoyed traveling, and enjoyed being with family and friends as long as possible with the support and companionship of his love, Anita, and his children.

Dan stayed strong and always did the best he could through the long and difficult years with the disease. He held onto his humor, kindness, curiosity, and compassion. He never lost his ability to love and be loved.

Preceding Dan in death are his brother Harley “Butch” Hayes, sister Shirley and husband Kerry Shaw, sister Bette and husband Richard Jensen, brother-in-law Thomas Bergstrom, and in-laws William and Judy Sylvester and Donald Murdoch.

Surviving Dan are his children David A. Hayes and Danielle M. Hayes, both of South Portland. Also sister Diane Bergstrom of Menominee, Michigan, sister Judy Hayes of Portland, and in-laws David and Elaine Murdoch and Nancy Murdoch; along with nieces and nephews whose company he always enjoyed; in-laws and outlaws alike.

Also surviving Dan is his loving companion, best friend, and advocate Anita Linnell and her family. “Grampa Dan” is sadly missed.

Many thanks to the A-Unit staff, past and present, those who loved, understood, and cared for Dan and thankful for the friendship and support of many residents and families over the years. Thank you all.

In accordance with Dan’s wishes, services will be private.

Donations in Dan’s memory may be made to Gosnell House in Scarborough or to the Animal Refuge League of Westbrook.