Daniel Hayes Obituary

Some of Dan's old friends got together last night to bid farewell to our friend by holding a Memorial Party. It gave us all a chance to get together and reminisce about the times we shared with him. Som many long forgotten memories came flooding back. Dan's grade school friend, John Bridges read us the touching tribute that he wrote and we released helium filled balloons (in Kelly Green no doubt) into the night sky. Attached to those balloons was a little card that simply read In Memory of Daniel J. Hayes and the years of his birth and death. Perhaps someone will come across one of those balloons as it drifts back to earth and stop and think that he must have been a special person which he was - an integral part of our lives which will never be forgotten. I think he would have been pleased that we said goodbye in this way. Although we may drifted apart over the years and our paths took different directions, he was never far from our thoughts and there he will remain with his deadpan grin and sly humor. Goodbye friend!

I met Danny Hayes when he was 14 or 15 and working at the Saddle and Cycle Club. He was lots of fun and everyone-kids and adults- enjoyed being around him. I saw him about 10 years ago at a restaurant in the Northern Suburbs and and then last October as I walked down Wacker Drive. It was great to see him after so long. He was fully up to date on my life and career.

I was very saddenned to learn of Danny's passing. I first met him when he was a fresh-faced (and fresh!) teen-ager who was starting his first job at the Saddle and Club. He was so sassy and fun. His sense of humor was magnificent and "on the edge". He was so funny because half of the time it was hard to tell if he was serious or joking. Who could forget the "Danny deadpan" after a big zinger? I loved watching Danny administer his sense of humor with a strong sense of justice.

Danny moved his way up the Saddle's management ladder, and he was a fixture at the Club. The members loved Danny. Unforunately, one of the many managers that the Saddle was trying out back then was jealous of Danny's connections, and let him go. Danny and I never understood this, and we spent years commiserating together. He was the best person I ever commiserated with- 'cuz he was fun and inciteful.



I will miss Danny as I miss my youth and all the good times.



Rest in Peace, Brother.



Bobby

Danny and I have been friends since I was a teenager working at the Saddle. I had not seen him for a while but was fortunate enough to have drinks with him this past summer. It was a great joy to see he was the same "old" Danny! He packed alot of living into a short life and he left so many of us with so many memories. Thanks Hayes!

What greater legacy than to be remembered for the laughter...



RIP

DANNY,

YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN SO INSPRITIONAL,EXTERMELY FUNNY AND VERY GENUINE. YOU ARE VERY MISSED BY ME, AND THAT FAMILY. YOU BROGHT A LOT OF JOY TO MY LIFE. SEE YOU LATER.

LOVE,ROSEMARY.

I met Dan through mutual friends. I have not seen Dan in many years, but did see him on a commuter northbound train going to do his bartending job around 10 years ago. The was the last and only time I saw him. He will be missed. Dan, rest well my friend and peace be with you.

I learned today that Dan passed away. I was stunned. I met Dan in the 1970's through mutual friends. We shared many fun times together and became good friends. Somehow we lost touch from one another. I thought of him often and hoped he was doing well. I will miss his friendship and humor. May he be at peace with our heavenly father.

I met Dan thru The Machulski's and Mike O'Halloran. We all got to be very good friends in the early 1970's. Dan was a real sweetheart. I was also shocked to hear of his passing. I last seen Dan at the Machulski's 25th Wedding party. We had danced the Polka together and had a great time. You will always be remembered Dan, especially during these holidays, we had spent many Christmas times gathering at someone's home. God Bless ! You will be missed.

I worked with Danny at the Saddle and have many, many great memories. So sad he's gone but I'll always smile when I think of Danny. Rest in peace, Carmel.

I knew Danny since we were kids at Our Lady of Mount Carmel grade school on Belmont. He didn't have an easy life. I hope his passing was peaceful. I'm sorry I didn't keep in better touch with him when we got older. Rest in peace, Danny, you deserve it.

We met Dan back in the late 60's, early 70's. He stood up to our wedding in 1973. We kept in contact for many years. The last time we saw him was in 1998 when we celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. He was a great friend. Always so jovial and full of life. He will be deeply missed. Our condolences to his family members.

I was stunned to learn of Dan's passing. I first met him in the summer of '68 when we were sophomores in high school. We shared a lot of great times and I've thought so much today of all them, such as our excursions to the Ivanhoe, downtown movie theaters and swimming at Aunt Margaret's when she lived in the Edgewater Beach Apts. I regret that we lost touch for so many years. Rest well, my old friend. Thanks for the memories.