Brett Arthur Hayes

Mr. Brett Arthur Hayes, age 34, passed away after battling Metastatic Melanoma for almost four years, Monday, December 15, 2008 at the Harbor Hospice Poppen Residence. Brett was born August 23, 1974 to Larry and Nancy (Smith) Hayes in Muskegon. On October 6, 2001 he married the former Laura L. Gawel. Brett was a graduate of Grand Valley State University and was employed as a mediator for Muskegon County Friend of the Court. He was a member of McGraft Memorial Congregational Church. Brett enjoyed the out of doors; boating, motorcycles, baseball and loved to hunt. He was a member of the North American Hunting Club and was part of the Muskegon County Sheriff's Department Marine Patrol. Brett is survived by his loving wife, Laura; 2 children, Owen Arthur, age 6, and Ava Lynn, age 4; his parents, Nancy and Larry Hayes of Norton Shores; sister, Brenda Hayes of Norton Shores; in-laws, Gary and Bonnie Gawel of Hillman, MI; and brother-in-law, Vance Gawel of Livonia. A FUNERAL SERVICE will be held Friday, December 19, 2008 at McGraft Memorial Congregational Church, 1617 Palmer Ave. with Rev. Dr. Gerald J. Wahr officiating. Burial will be in Norton Cemetery. Visitation will be 2-4 & 6-8 pm Thursday at The Walburn Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 1547 W. Sherman Blvd. 231 759-8565 and one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Brett Hayes Family Fund c/o First General Credit Union, 589 E. Ellis Road, Muskegon, 49441 or the Melanoma Research Foundation, 170 Township Line Rd., Bldg. B, Hillsborough, NJ 08844.