It is with heavy hearts that the family of Christopher Justin Hayes announces his passing on Monday, March 13, 2023, at the age of 47. A loving brother, friend, and father of three, Chris was born on June 25, 1975 in Placerville, to Samuel and Susan Hayes (Tripp). He was an accomplished artist who expressed himself through his art and tattoo work for the last 32 years up and down the west coast and Tennessee. He raised two sons, Corbin and Eamon, and daughter, Freya with their mother, Cassiopeia Reuter.

Chris had a passion for art, fishing and skateboarding, to name a few. His career was spent creating personalized tattoo experiences around the world while immortalizing tattoo culture. He expressed himself through his artwork and did everything with all his heart. He wanted nothing more in this world than to be loved and he gave 100 percent doing just that. Chris had an enormous heart and an unfaltering love for all those he crossed paths with. Once you were a part of his life, he would always be with you.

He was a kind soul that is looking down on us now, free from burden, and is saying, “This shit sucks huh, Haha!” He never did anything half-assed. He loved, lost, cared and fought with everything he had. He was known for his quick wit, his infectious smile, his laugh, and his kind and compassionate spirit. He was also known to raise some hell from time to time.

Here is a quote from his favorite writer:

“Death is nothing, brother, it’s life that’s hard.”- Charles Bukowski

He is preceded in death by his grandparents O’Neal and Sue Hayes and Don and Marilyn Ferguson. He is survived by his parents, Samuel Hayes, Bismarck N.D., Susan Tripp (Wesley) of Placerville; three children — Corbin, Eamon, and Freya Hayes of Gualala; his siblings Melissa Lundin (Bismarck, N.D.), Michael Hayes (Chandler, Arizona), Corey Hayes (Bismarck, N.D.) and Erin Rose (Covington, Tenn.); three nieces — Ieree and Mesa Lundin of Bismarck and Olive Rose, Covington; and several cousins and close friends he called family.

Chris’s friends and family would like to personally thank the Hoopa Valley Community for their outpouring of love and endless support of Chris over the years. They would also like to extend their personal gratitude to Tim. They are forever grateful, and their love is with you as his was with Chris.

A celebration of life and spreading of his ashes will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a Drug and Alcohol Awareness Program.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Chris Hayes’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.