Roger, owner and master baker of Roger's Bakery in Magna joined his daughter Cindy in the next part of his journey in eternity. He passed away at his home from GBM IV cancer on November 28, 2014. Roger was born July 9, 1945 in Montpelier, Idaho to Lyle and Mildred Hayes. After graduating from Montpelier High School, Roger entered the Army Reserves. He married his high school sweetheart, DeLone Smith on November 13, 1965. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. Before opening his own bakery, Roger worked for The Royal Bakery in Montpelier, Albertsons in Logan, Tooele, and several Salt Lake locations. He also worked as a baker at Harmons. Roger opened his first bakery at Mr. J's in West Valley, then Bobco's and Food 4 Less. In November of 1986 he moved his bakery to the Reams Grocery Store in Magna a community where he was proud to both live and work. Roger's generosity and talent was felt across the community in its churches, schools, sports teams, and even its children whom he would often give a donut or cookie as they visited the bakery. He supported and loved Utah's swimming and water polo community. Roger was a great dad and grandpa; he delighted in his children's success and happiness. He was always willing to sacrifice to provide opportunities for his kids. Roger is survived by his wife, DeLone; his children, Jason R., Shelly Dee (Doug) Johnson, Tiffany Lynn (Scott) Simons, Corey Michael (Mindi), and Jaren Scot (Chrissy); grandchildren, Jordan Johnson, Gibson Bryant, Hagen, Turner, McKay, and Adalynn Simons, Danaka, and Jayci Turner, Zephyr and Grayson Hayes; siblings, Darwin (Loris), Weston (Barbara), Al (Gail), Larry (Barbara) and Renee (Frank) Wallentine. Preceded in death by daughter, Cynthia Lee; parents; and sister, Ann (Gordon) Ipsen.
Funeral services will be held 12 noon Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at the Magna Central Stake, 8181 W. Breeze Dr. (3320 S.). Viewings will be held 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, December 2nd at Peel Funeral Home, 8525 W, 2700 S., and 10:30-11:45 a.m. Wednesday at the Stake Center.
The family would like to express their thanks to his many friends, his bakery family, his swimming family and the community of Magna. A special thanks to the staff at IMC, University of Utah Rehabilitation and IHC hospice team for their prayers and love.
In lieu of flowers and in order to continue Roger's legacy of helping those in need, please consider making a donation at any Cyprus Credit Union in the name of Roger Hayes' "Dough for Kids Scholarship" Fund. Online condolences: www.peelfuneralhome.com
Diane Price (Bateman) (1963)
Roger was such a great guy, always considerate and caring. Even in his "partial retirement" he seemed so full of life and energy. So sad and shocked to hear of his passing. My sincere sympathies to DeLone and his family. Diane Bateman, Class of 1963.
Susan Perkins (Heiner) (1963)
I am so sad to hear about Roger. He was one of those special people. He was always kind and thoughtful of others. My thoughts and prayers are with DeLone and his familly.
John Powell (1963)
I have felt both sadness and appreciation for Roger since learning of his passing. I have fond memories of our motorcycle adventure through Jackson Hole and Yellowstone Park together. His generosity was certainly evident when he provided all those wonderful bakery goods at our last class reunion. Our hearts and prayers go out the DeLone and his family. John Powell, Class of 1963.
Mary Lynn Jensen (Matthews) (1963)
Up until February 2013, I was unaware of the whereabouts of most of the classmates from the Class of 1963. Having been given the opportunity to chair the MHS Class of 1963 50th year reunion, I became aware of contact information for elementary, junior high and high school classmates. To reconnect with friends via phone and email was an incredible gift to me.
Soon after sending the first email announcing time and place, Roger called me asking how he could help. I suggested a special cookie with writing i.e. MHS or Class of '63. He said he would ponder the decision. We spoke a couple of times regarding time and place---nothing more about his contribution.
Thirty minutes before the appointed reunion meeting time, Roger and DeLone arrived having traveled from Magna, Utah. I was overwhelmed when the large boxes started coming into the "Getting Acquainted Room." From these boxes came a beautiful presentation of his talent and genius. Each clear plastic server, one for each, contained 7 to 10 pieces of various delicacies elaborately designed and very delicious. Indeed, exquisite...the work of the master. I am sure they were his signature creations. This was Roger's gift to us. From his point of view, only the best would due for his classmates, his friends. From my point of view, his generous gift provided the grand finale to that event.
In December 2013, Roger provided the refreshments for my grandson's wedding reception. Only a picture can describe his work. I am sure he must have spent an incredible amount of time in preparation. I will try and post it. My daughter and I traveled to his bakery and had a great time seeing each other again. Pictures were taken to remember the day.
Up until the reunion, it had been fifty years since I last saw Roger. What a gift to become reacquainted and to learn of his success and to know it was because of hard work, innate talent and ability, and determination. He was an accomplished master baker having spent his life reaching perfection in his life's work.
As a classmate, Roger was that clean-cut, good-looking, kind and respectful young man. As an adult, he was a kind, generous, loving, respected friend, husband, father, and grandfather.
Thank you, DeLone, for giving me the opportunity to spend time with you and Roger at the hospital. That time will remain a treasured memory.
DeLone, I know you will miss him terribly. I always think about the statement made by President Ezra Taft Benson, "Remember that on the other side there is a great family reunion and much rejoicing. This farewell and our separation is their reunion and homecoming." Love, Mary Lynn Matthews
Reola Phelps (1963)
I am so grateful that we all had the opportunity to reconnect around the various reunions in the last years. I hadn't seen Roger for so long and it was wonderful to see him again and connect with his energy. He will be missed and I send my thoughts to Delone and his family.
Renee Kunz (Wuska) (1963)
I was so saddened to hear of Roger's passing. What a wonderful man he was, and our memories of him will live on. I don't ever remember a time that Roger was not kind, smiling, and helpful to everyone! His beautiful wife, DeLone's spirit complemented him totally! I didn't get to meet their children, but I'm sure they have the loving, caring traits of both Roger and DeLone.
It was so wonderful seeing Roger at our class reunions, but as said by others, he really outdid himself for our 50th class reunion! His very generouos contribution truly was the "icing on the cake!" He absolutely was a master baker! Roger was an artist, but he was so humble and acted as if he were still an apprentice working for Freddy Parker in the Royal Bakery! Freddy must have been a great mentor, but Roger excelled, and his pastries would compete with and surpass the best! Not only were they beautiful, they were delectable!
Roger will be so missed by all who knew him. Love and prayers to his family that they may feel peace as they make the transition to living their lives without this beautiful man.
Renee Kunz Wuska, Class of 1963
Gordon Bradley (1963)
Roger and I attended the same schools for 12 years. We were very good friends, and as young boys we spent a lot of time at each others homes. I knew all of his family, and he knew all of mine.
One day when we were in grade school, we met at Lincoln Grade School about 45 minutes early. We left the school, and walked toward Betty Gail Kuntz's home. We had a plan to make sure that Betty Gail had to walk past us on her way to school. We waited and waited until we were both late for class. Betty Gail never showed up! We both had a "crush" on her.
When we arrived at Mrs. Clayton's class, she would not let us into class until we had a note from our parents explaining why we were late. Pretty hard to explain.
During our senior year, Roger and I joined the U S Army Reserve, under the "buddy" program.
We were to complete basic, and AIT training together. Sounded good, but never happened.
I left for basic training 3 days after graduation. Roger went much later.
Roger worked for Freddy Parker, at the Royal Bakery, and learned a profession that he loved, and was very successful.
Roger was a great Friend, Husband, Father, and Grandfather ! We will all miss him!
May God bless Roger and his family until we all meet again.