Robert Winslow Hayes, Jr. of Farmington, New Hampshire died on November 15, 2024 at Portsmouth Regional Hospital shortly after suffering a heart attack. He was 77.

He was born in 1946 in Rochester to his parents Robert and Florence (Evans) Hayes.

After graduating from Farmington High School, Bob attended New Hampshire Technical Institute until he was drafted into the Army and deployed to Vietnam. He served in the 6th US Army as a cook for three years and was honorably discharged after having earned a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and two O/S bars.

After returning to his family's farm in Farmington, Bob cooked at Dot's Lunch in New Durham until he was given the opportunity to apprentice at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard to become a toolsmith, where he worked until his retirement.

He carried his precision metalworking home with him, building a shop with a metal lathe front and center. He also enjoyed auctions, where he would find tools but also collected guns. He enjoyed restoring the checking on rifles so he could beautifully refinish the stocks to heirloom quality. Bob wasn't a hunter, but he enjoyed target shooting and being outdoors.

Bob embodied the spirit of rural New Hampshire. He was a handy person, being both mechanically inclined and endowed with a green thumb. He was an animal lover who didn't need to look for a pet—cats chose him, and his family fondly remembers Bob's soft spot for strays and some of the key ones who provided companionship.

He is survived by his friend and former spouse of 10 years, Carol (Tibbetts) Hayes and sons Bob and Chris.

There will be a graveside service at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 23 at Pine Grove Cemetery followed by a reception at the Farmington House of Pizza in the downstairs function room.

To express condolences, please visit: www.peasleefuneralhome.com