Thomas Wilkinson Hayes, 61, of Stewart Avenue, in Claremont, died of a heart attack in Hartford, CT on Wednesday, August 3, 2005.  He was born in Cranston, RI on July 25, 1944 the son of Philip Wilfred and Gladys Emily (Schlosser) Hayes and had resided in Claremont most of his life.  He served in the US Army from 1962 to 1965 and in the reserve until 1968.

Tom lived his life with integrity.  He was a man of values, loyalty and tradition.  He enjoyed the simple things in life; family, friends, nature, reading, bowling, hunting and fishing.  He was also an avid fan of racing, especially enjoying watching his son, Philip Hayes, make his rounds at the Claremont Speedway.  He was an active member of the NRA and loved his job fixing guns. He retired on March 31, 2005 from Sturm Ruger in Newport where he worked for thirty years.

The surviving family includes his significant other, Dawn Holt of Claremont; three children, Philip Bailey Hayes of Claremont, Janet Lea Hayes of Englewood, Fl and Shelley Hayes Dehne of St. Augustine, FL; five grandchildren, William LaClair, Misty Sharon Hayes, Tyson Philip Hayes, Clayton Richard Dehne and Nicholas Hayes Dehne; three siblings, Joyce Lawrence of Heath, MA, Mary Onstott of East Hartford, CT and Sue Nerney of New Hartford, CT.  He was pre-deceased by one sister, Judy Auner.

Calling hours will be held Monday afternoon, Aug. 8^th from 2 to 3 PM at the Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad Street in Claremont with an eulogy by brother-in-law Guy Auner at 3 PM.

The family suggest that in lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Junior Sports League (JSL), 38 School Street, Claremont, NH 03743.

To view an online memorial, send a message of condolence or for more information visit, www.stringerfh.com.