Obituary of Forrest D. Hayes

 

In business, he was known as Forrest Hayes, but to family and friends -- and there were so many in every walk of life -- he was Forrie.  And his story began on June 25^th, 1932…

 

Entering the world as the son of Carl Arthur Hayes and Ruth Marie McIlhenny, Forrie worked diligently on the family farm in Cambridge, Illinois. His father wanted him to take over the farm, but adventure was calling. The first stop -- Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. He was a scholar and athlete. He excelled in football, basketball and track.  It was obviously the right decision to come to Augustana because it was there that he met the love of his life, Annette Sandberg. Their 62 year marriage began on June 12, 1954, shortly after college graduation and lasted until Annette’s passing in 2016. Forrie’s talents on the field as the star quarterback for Augustana piqued the interest of the NFL. The LA Rams and the Pittsburgh Steelers offered him an opportunity to try out for their teams, but Forrie chose to take his competitive spirit and innate leadership skills to the field of business. 

 

With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting, he became a certified public accountant with Arthur Andersen & Co the same year he and Annette were married. But Uncle Sam decided to intervene with a draft notice from the US Army, so off they went to Fort Detrick in Frederick, Maryland. After two years in uniform, Forrie returned to Arthur Andersen, tallying 36 years at the firm. His tenure included time in Chicago and managing partner of the Cincinnati and Cleveland offices. He was known as the brilliant business leader who had a nose for the who, what, when and where. Along the way, the house of two added five children -- Jeff, Joel, Jenna, Jill and Forrest Jr (JR to keep the “J” theme going) over a sixteen-year span.  

 

Of all the places they traveled, Hilton Head Island became the family favorite and for years that included vacations at their residence in picturesque Harbor Town, red and white lighthouse ever present. Understanding that the world demands we do our best to succeed and find our place in the field, Forrie helped instill the thrill of competing by coaching his sons’ football, baseball and soccer teams. From the small starter house and the countryside home in Cincinnati surrounded by woods to a lovely Cleveland home in Bratenahl, the Hayes homes were full of energy, fun and excitement. There was little doubt who was in charge (okay, it was probably Annette), but Forrie could also bend to the many wishes of his children. With two dogs and two cats already residing at the house in Cleveland, the Hayes kids brought a Puli home. Forrie put down the gauntlet, either the new dog goes or he does. They both stayed. 

 

After retiring from Andersen in 1992, Forrie joined WasteQuip as CFO. Then on to Brittany Corporation where he served for many years as President and CEO. If you were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work with Forrie, you witnessed firsthand his natural talent for forging friendships.  He was a relationship machine, mentor to many. The Andersen motto was “Think Straight. Talk Straight,” an excellent description of his character and work ethic. It followed him throughout his life.   

 

Quite appropriate that Forrie started his career in accounting. It would take an accountant’s skill to count and measure the number of lives he touched, influenced and guided over the decades. He also had a true passion for literally making anything he was involved in exponentially better. That’s what outstanding leaders do. His eleven-year commitment to improving Playhouse Square in Cleveland, included serving as the head of the finance committee followed by three years as Chairman. With a gracious show of appreciation, in 2004 Playhouse Square honored Forrie by naming him Trustee for life. He was active in the United Way, on the board of Oberlin and Hiram Colleges, President of The Country Club, and Treasurer of the PTA in Cincinnati. Forrie and Annette were founding board members of The Wilds in Cumberland, Ohio.

 

Ironically, two key themes in his life, athletics and business, intersected in several ways. Forrie’s later successor in the quarterback slot at Augustana was Kenny Anderson who went on to play for the Cincinnati Bengals. Forrie helped Kenny with his new career as the Bengal QB and began a lasting relationship with him as well as the Bengals. The Cleveland office worked with both the Indians and Browns. Forrie remembered having staff count the torn tickets to determine how many people were in attendance. He also worked very closely with Art Modell of the Cleveland Browns. What was also so admirable was the army of friends that Forrie and Annette made throughout their lives. They made it a priority to not let a friendship fade even with a zip code change.

 

Of course roots and memories run deep, so when Annette and Forrie decided where to enjoy their golden years, the choice was easy. Back to Hilton Head Island they went, enjoying many incredibly happy years living at Wexford Plantation. Not surprisingly, Forrie never stopped making things better. He was a board member and Treasurer of Wexford Plantation, and Chairman of Hilton Head Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. He remained a consultant to Brittany Corporation until he retired two years ago at 86 years old.

 

What an incredible run. Exactly what you’d expect from a quarterback businessman who always commanded the field and won the respect, admiration and love of so many people.

 

Forrest Duane Hayes passed away peacefully with family by his side on February 24, 2021. Pre-deceased by beloved wife of 62 years, Annette Sandberg Hayes and sister, Betty Kelley. Survived by children Jeff (Kathy) Hayes, Joel Hayes, Jennifer (Stodd) McEwan, Jill (Coleman) Breland, and Forrest D. Hayes, Jr.  (Whitney). Survived also by ten grandchildren – Jessica (Andre) Flores, Jonathan Hayes, Rebecca (James) Carr, Sarah (Philip) Smoker, Kate McEwan, Hannah McEwan, Breece Breland, Carly Breland, Forrest Hayes III (Tre) and Ady Hayes, as well as five great-grandchildren (Alex and Alaina Flores; Eli, Daniel and Hannah Smoker).

 

A private family memorial service is planned for Saturday, March 6, 2021.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

(act.alz.org/donate), Disabled Veterans of America (dav.org) or The Wilds. (give.columbuszoo.org/wilds-commemorative-gift).