Plainfield, N.H. — Brian L. Hayes, 89, a long time Canaan, N.H. resident passed away Tuesday, June 13, 2017. at the Lebanon Center-Genesis. He was born in Hanover, N.H. on April 8, 1928. The son of Ellen (Nellie) & W. Howard Reagan and John & Gladys Hayes, Jr. Brian grew up in Canaan and graduated from Canaan High School. Brian married Betty Plummer on Nov. 19, 1949. They raised their family in Canaan and later moved to Plainfield in 2001. As a teenager, he took flying lessons and was near completion to fly solo. He attended the Coast Guard Academy at Buzzards Bay in Brooklyn, N.Y. Following graduation, he joined the Merchant Marines where he developed a great interest in ships.

Brian worked many years as the manager for the First National Food Store. When the store closed he opened his own store called Brian’s AG. He later worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company for a short period of time. He then operated his own Duraclean Rug & Upholstery business.

While a Canaan resident he was very involved with the community. He served with the town auditors, the planning board, the budget committee, the school board and as a volunteer firefighter. Brian was also a member of the Lion’s Club. His hobbies included reading, wood working and building model ships. Most recently at the age 86 he had been volunteering at St. Gaudens helping with making flower arrangements and started doing chair yoga.

Brian has been a devoted caregiver to his wife Betty for many years. His greatest pleasures were his wife and spending time with his family. His family would like to acknowledge and thank the caring staff at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and the Lebanon Center-Genesis for care provided during Brian’s stay.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Betty Hayes; daughters, Denise MacMillan of Surfside Beach, S.C., Maureen Raymond and husband Steve of WRJct., Vt., Donna Coakley and husband Jay of Barre, Vt.; and a son Mark Hayes of Plainfield; a half-sister Priscilla Dangelo of Lacey, Wash.; six grandchildren (Stephanie Cohen, Kevin Stevens, Randy & Dani Raymond, Timothy Smith and April Allen); eight great-grandchildren.

Brian was predeceased by his parents, three half-sisters, two half-brothers, and granddaughter Kasey.

In lieu of flowers Brian’s family has suggested to make memorial donations to: Plainfield Senior Socials & Activities, P.O. Box 380 Meriden, NH 03770. Please make the check out to the Town of Plainfield and in the memo write Hayes Senior Social.

Family and friends are invited to the Ricker Funeral Home in Lebanon on Saturday June 17, 2017, at 1 p.m. for Brian’s memorial service. Burial will follow in the Wells Cemetery in Canaan. An online guest book is available by visiting www.rickerfuneralhome.com to enter messages of for Brian’s family.