Obituary of Stephen Michael Hays
With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved Stephen Michael Hays of Denver, Colorado, who left us far too soon on December 9, 2024, at the age of 34.
Stephen was the devoted husband of Brittany Danielle Hays, the loving father of Lucas Eren Hays, the treasured son of Tim and Karen Hays, and a steadfast brother to Matthew Hays. He was a cherished grandson of Jack and Virginia Russo, Tom and “Sam” Pugh, and Danny and Joan Hays. Stephen was welcomed and loved as son-in-law by Ron and Tammy Lukin, and brother-in-law by Hayley, Alex, and Nicole Lukin, who embraced him as part of their family.
Born on March 15, 1990, in Dallas, Texas, Stephen grew up in Westminster, Colorado. He was baptized in 1998 at Crossroads Church in Northglenn, Colorado. He graduated from Legacy High School in 2009 and earned his degree in Business and Finance from Colorado State University in 2013. In 2017, he married Brittany, beginning a journey of love, laughter, and deep devotion.
Stephen gave his all to everything he did. He was a genuine, all-in kind of person—whether as a husband, father, son, brother, or friend. His greatest joys in life were his family and friends; he was always present, always giving, always ready to drop everything for those he loved. His friendships were just as enduring; he nurtured them with the same dedication, maintaining close connections across years and miles. He had an incredible gift for bringing people together, effortlessly making every gathering brighter with his warmth, humor, and quick wit. Stephen was the life of the party—the first to laugh, the one to lift others up.
His adventurous spirit, love for life, and natural talents were undeniable. He was a gifted athlete, wrestling and playing football in high school and later winning a bodybuilding competition in his twenties. Music flowed naturally from Stephen, a gifted self-taught drummer and pianist who could play beautifully by ear. But what set him apart most was his heart—he was the person you could call at any hour, knowing he’d be there in an instant.
A celebration of Stephen’s life will be held at Crossroads Community Center (10451 Huron St, Northglenn, CO 80234) on Saturday, March 29, at 11:00 AM. We hope you will join us as we honor Stephen, share memories, and support one another in this time of loss.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Stephen Hays to The Salvation Army Denver Red Shield Senior Service and designate "Senior Services" in the comments. Or, make checks payable to The Salvation Army. Please designate: In Memory of Stephen Hays to Denver Red Shield Senior Services. Mail to: 1370 Pennsylvania St. Denver, CO 80203.
