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.
So very sorry to hear of your loss of your amazing young boy. One day & forever after that I believe we get tobe together with our loved ones with God's grace & Jesus ultimate gift. Condolences to you all in this time.
We are so very, very sorry to hear this news. Reading about your son, he was an incredible young man. God Bless you all and prayers of comfort and peace. Steve Williams & family
We have been friends with the Hamaker family almost instantly upon arriving in Laramie over 35 years ago. To grow with the family and now the new generation keeps the true west alive for all of us. With great sorrow about ‘Hazer’s’death, we are hopeful that the community will be the better for his being with us. Lovingly, David and Maureen Lutterman
There are no words for your loss of Hayes. Our hearts ache for you and your family. Lifting you in thought and prayer.
Our hearts are broken over the loss of your precious boy. We send our love and lift you up in prayer. Dale and Saundra Robbins
Our hearts are broken by the loss of precious Hayes. A true cowboy who brought joy, laughter, and light to his family. His sweet spirit and beautiful memory will forever live on in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of meeting him. All our love to the Hamaker family.
We are so deeply sorry for this unimaginable loss of Hayes. There are simply no words. Our hearts are broken for you all and We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. May the love and memories you have of that sweet little boy carry you through the days ahead.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our deepest condolences. Prayers for peace and comfort. David and Randi Haught
I am so sorry to hear this blessing to you all. Always remember he is with you in your thoughts and memories. Blessings Jane Tweed. (Tony's mom)
Our deepest condolences to all the Hamaker family and friends. Praying for strength and love. RIP Cowboy Hayes.
Our deepest condolences to the Hamaker family. Praying for strength and love for each of you. RIP Hayes.🙏🏻
Sincere condolences, imagine the site he sees and the glory of eternal life. God bless you
What a testament to who Hayes was. Loved everyone and made friends with all. At just 6 yrs old he lived a Christ like life. Oh how the world would be a better place if we could all treat others the way he did. Heaven is surely lit up with him running on the streets of gold. Imagine him face-to-face with Jesus, inquisitive, asking questions and getting to know his Savior. Our thoughts and prayers are continually with you, Alison, Ty and Mesa and all the rest of the family.
Sending our deepest condolences, lots of love and prayers during this time.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Praying that God's comforter helps you all. Our prayers are with your family.
all the things that were written about him are so beautiful. It seems he loved everything and everybody including all the animals. Heaven bound I'm sure. Loving hugs to all his family.❤️❤️
Our hearts are broken for all the family. We hope the love all of you have for one another will help during this most tragic time in your lives. When you can remember him with a smile and all the fun he was. Don't be afraid to say his name and remember the good times all of you had. Our most sincere condolences to all of you.
We are very sorry to hear of Hayes passing. Our condolences, thoughts, and prayers to the Hamaker family during this very difficult time.
The Open School was incredibly blessed to have Hayes as part of our school family. He brought so much joy, curiosity, and personality to our days, and his smile could light up a room. In his short time with us, he made a lasting impact on his teachers, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. We are so grateful for the time we shared with Hayes and will remember him always. Our hearts are with his family, and we are keeping them close in our thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry to hear this news. What a wonderful tribute to your son. Our prayers for peace are for you!
We were blessed to have met Hayes and experience his infectious smile and heartwarming presence. His ability to welcome us into his life immediately after meeting him was a true true gift. We will be forever grateful that our paths crossed.
Our very deepest condolences. With love, Scott and April Sims
My deepest condolences! Hold one another close as you survive though this devastating loss. Until we meet again, little angel cowboy. Prayers and love
Hayes was an awesome kid and of my best little buddies. I will miss him just like everyone else who he met and made friends with. Love you guys and love you long time hazer ❤️