OBITUARY: David Hayes
David Leon Hayes, 74, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2023 at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving children and wife. David was born on July 28, 1948 to Harold and Marilyn Hayes in Tiffin, Ohio. His collegiate scholastic endeavors took a pause when duty called to defend his country in Vietnam, much like his father and older brothers had done in other wars and conflicts. He earned distinction for his service by defending his company base from ambush and received the Bronze Medal of Honor for his meritorious efforts.
Following his military service, David received a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Tiffin, while beginning his career at Unigrip Corporation in Upper Sandusky. He developed an avid and keen ability to sell industrial products and soon took this talent to Midwest Stamping in Bowling Green, while raising his two sons and daughter in Findlay, Ohio.
Ever-ambitious, David earned an executive Masters of Business Administration degree from Harvard University, administered through the University of Dayton while continuing to build his metal stamping client base which included Ford, Chrysler, General Motors and Honda. Over time, he became a majority owner of Midwest Stamping with his business partner as the business grew and added production facilities in Edgerton, Ohio and Sumter, South Carolina in addition to the flagship facility in Bowling Green.
After selling the successful business, David founded Hayes & Associates, LLC, a thriving consultancy and sales enterprise for the automobile supply sector. Other successful business endeavors included multiple commercial real estate projects throughout the country and the founding of an alternative rock radio station in Toledo, WBUZ, known as “The Buzz”.
In 1992, David married Patty Ewell of Texas and settled in Toledo. Together, David and Patty formed a foundation which endowed the Hayes Center for the Arts at Tiffin University. The two continue to reinforce David’s deep passion for Tiffin, Ohio by funding an MBA scholarship program through the University that is presented annually to a worthy student. Among the couple’s favorite philanthropic endeavors is their deep support and appreciation of the Toledo Zoo.
The two enjoyed traveling, boating, collecting art, and spending time with their children and grandchildren. He traveled the world, especially enjoying visits to Japan and Laguna Beach, California. An avid boater, he loved cruising around the Great Lakes and the Gulf Coast with his many motorboats and cherished the adventures that he embarked on with them, and loved boating to Cedar Point. He enjoyed his countless voyages to Put-In-Bay, especially when the whole family was together. He was quite the entertainer when joining his son on stage at the Roundhouse to play timbales for an always welcoming and raucous crowd, all of whom appreciated his passionate performance.
David participated in Indian Guides with his children and was an acclaimed soccer coach. He was also involved in many charitable and service-oriented boards and associations, his favorite being his decade-long service on the University of Tiffin Board of Trustees. He was exceptionally valued as a member of the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority, where he was able to use his excellent project management skills to direct the design, construction, and procurement of the bridge connecting Boca Grande to the mainland of Florida.
To state it mildly, David was one of kind. He always made an impression and was quick to make friends and make any situation more fun and interesting. He was a devoted husband, father, brother and friend, and was most proud of his role as a wonderful grandfather. He will be truly missed by his friends and family who will have plenty of stories for years to come.
David is predeceased by his mother and father, Marilyn and Harold Hayes, and brother James. Surviving are wife, Patty; sons, Scott (Nicole Khoury) and Chris; daughters, Victoria (Ryan) Noll and Melissa (Adam) Yakovich; brothers, Richard (Wendy), and Patrick (Connie); sister, Theresa (Todd) Jindra; and his beloved grandchildren, Alex (Kathryn) and Elliott Hayes, Braden and Colton Noll, and Layna and Maycie Yakovich. Condolences may be sent and the guestbook signed at www.hgmackfunerlahome.com.
