Hayes Ryan Hamaker entered the loving arms of God on the family ranch Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the age of 6. Hayes was born in Laramie, WY on August 2, 2020 to his proud parents, Ty and Alison. Hazer was widely known for his ear to ear smile and infectious spirit. His larger than life personality was far beyond his age or stature. Anyone who knew him knew that he was always joyfully seeking a connection or relationship with everyone who crossed his path. When you spoke to him, he didn’t just listen – he actually heard you. Once he met you, you were his friend. He spent this last year at Open School where his thirst for knowledge blossomed. Hayes loved to ride his bike, snow machine, drive 4-wheelers and Rangers, and ride in any piece of his grandad’s equipment. His favorite of all was to go with his Dad in the semi hauling animals to rodeos. He loved traveling on an airplane to spend time with his family in Michigan. While there, he enjoyed swimming in his great grandma Gigi’s pool, boating with his Aunt Kelsey (Kookoo) and Uncle Zach, and running with his cousins through the lush grass in his Nene and Papa’s backyard. While at home, he wanted to help work anywhere on the ranch, spend time with his sister, friends and cousins, and have movie nights with Mom snuggling on the air mattress. Looking sharp to go to church in Centennial with his Grammy was very important to him. He loved the movie “8 Seconds”, ate his weight in spaghetti, loved his dogs and his horses, and listening to music. Above all else, he lived to rodeo with his family and seeing the many friends he made along the trail. Hayes was a force that made everyone want to know him, and had the most loving soul of anyone you’ll ever meet. The impact he made on this world in just 6 short years is miraculous, and his loss will be felt forever.
Hayes is survived by his parents, Ty and Alison, sister Mesa, grandparents JD and Candy Hamaker, Great granddad Larry Romsa, Uncle Blaze (Diana) Hamaker, Uncle Colt (Megan) Hamaker, grandparents John and Denise Petchauer, Aunt Kelsey (Zach) Brouwer, cousins Wacey and Bleu Hamaker, Denim and Teale Hamaker and Jett and Steel Brouwer. Hayes will be cherished forever by countless close friends and family, and members of both the Laramie and rodeo communities.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Monday, August 24, 2026 at 1:00pm, at the UW Cliff & Martha Hansen Teaching Arena. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in Hayes’ name to be made to Children’s Hospital Colorado or Open School in Laramie, WY.
The family would also like to extend their deepest gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of love and support during this unimaginable time.
