Daniel Richard Hayes

He was raised by his loving parents, Richard and Carolyn Hayes. Their love for him was endless, and Dan had deep love and great respect for them. He is also survived by his son Lucas and Sarah and grandson Lucius Hayes and two sisters, Debbie and Jennifer, whom he loved very much.

Dan was passionate about music and sports. He loved playing guitar and surfing with the Kent boys and many other friends in Newport Beach, California, and Rosarito Beach, Mexico. Shortly after graduating from Tustin High School, Dan moved to Colorado to work and snow ski. After a knee injury, he returned to Newport and worked at his father and uncle’s business, OCB Reprographics, where his cousin Chuck helped him develop his skills.

In 1990, Dan made a decision that reflected something already in his heart—he moved permanently to the Pacific Northwest, a place he had loved visiting every summer throughout his life. That same year, in September, he started his own business, South Bay Reprographics, in Tumwater, Washington, which he faithfully operated from 1990 to 2025.

On February 3, 1991, Dan married his dear friend and love, Leslie, and together they began building their family. Their son Lucas, their “bundle of love,” was born on August 9, 1992. Dan loved being Lucas’s father and was so proud to see him grow into a capable man and begin his own family.

Dan and Leslie studied the Bible and came to understand God’s purpose. On July 3, 1993, they dedicated their lives to Jehovah, a decision that shaped Dan’s life and hope.

Although Dan worked hard in his business, family was always what mattered most to him. A California boy at heart, he loved the ocean—surfing the waves and later waterskiing in Boston Harbor, just as his dad and uncle had done. He loved snow skiing, riding dirt bikes with his family, and cooking for those he cared about.

There are many people who were important to Dan—and you know who you are. If you spent time with him, you felt his love and his genuine friendship.

Dan adored his mother, whom he affectionately called his “little ballerina,” and his father, whom he called “My Guy” or “Pops.” His Aunt Dione, Uncle David, and Great Uncle Paul were also very special to him. He was always grateful to have such strong men to look up to. He loved his nieces and nephews deeply, took great pride in them, and wanted to be there for them in any way he could.

Dan loved this earth and took comfort in the Bible’s promise that one day it will be restored as God intended. He looked forward to the time when he could build his home and cultivate the earth in peace.

Dan had been dealing with illness for the last few years, and although we thought things were improving, things took a turn, and we lost Dan on April 15.

But we have a hope.

As expressed at Job 14:15, 16:

“If a man dies, can he live again?

I will wait all the days of my compulsory service

Until my relief comes.

You will call, and I will answer you.

You will long for the work of your hands.”