Obituary of Robert Keon Hayes

Robert Keon (Bob) Hayes, 81, died Monday, October 21, 2013 in Sahuarita, Arizona, surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born in Montpelier, VT on September 27, 1932 and was raised in Tuckahoe, NY. He lived in Arizona for the past 27 years. Prior to that Bob was a longtime resident of Connecticut, most notably Ellington where he was an active member of the community for more than 25 years. Bob spent 20 years as a teacher in the Hartford, CT school system. His specialty was working with underprivileged kids and he helped a great many navigate their way through high school and ultimately into college. A degree in philosophy from Fordham University served Bob well during his endeavors as a teacher and mentor. His background also included stops as a student at Columbia University and Boston College Law School. Bob was also a lieutenant in the Army ROTC for six years. He was a man capable of wearing many hats, but one proved to be his true calling. Bob had an indomitable, entrepreneurial spirit that served him well as owner and founder of a number of small business ventures throughout his career. He was never afraid of new ideas and believed that failure never cast its shadow upon those who had the spirit and will to keep trying. Among his entrepreneurial successes were a camper rental business, a marina and four fitness centers. Interestingly, from the initial camper business in Ellington, another idea was born: a travel basketball team called the "Cider Mill Campers.'' The "Campers" were one of the original travel teams in Connecticut and a precursor to the enormously popular AAU programs which dominate the youth basketball circuit today. Comprised mostly of kids from Ellington, Vernon and the greater Hartford area, the Campers traveled throughout New England and New York playing top level competition. Bob was also active as a Little League coach in both the Rockville and Ellington (CT) programs, as well as the Tanque Verde and Sonoita/Patagonia Arizona leagues. He was actively involved in many organizations including the Tucson Metro Chamber, Green Valley Chamber, Sonoita/Patagonia Rotary Club, as well as the Greater Hartford Jaycees. Bob is survived by his wife, Debbie, his children Bobby (Roxanne), Tish Jurgens (Frank), John, Kevin (Ann Marie), Billy (Rosy), DeeDee Cherubini (Justin), five grandchildren; and sister, Elizabeth Hayes. May you rest in peace Dad. You were dearly loved and will be greatly missed. The memorial service will be Saturday, October 26th at 2:00pm at Unleashed Christian Church in Tucson (265 W. Valencia Rd). In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Alzheimer's Association located at 3003 S. Country Club Rd, Tucson, AZ 85713.