Affectionately known as “the mayor of Eastham,” Keith Hayes died unexpectedly on April 24, 2024 at Massachusetts General Hospital with his parents and brother by his side. The cause was an aneurysm followed by a series of strokes. He was 43.

The son of Thomas and Roxanne Hayes, Keith was born on April 3, 1981 in Hyannis. He grew up in Eastham, where he loved to ride his bike and make friends with everyone in his neighborhood. Engagement with others came to characterize his life.

Keith enjoyed youth league soccer and Little League baseball. He served as a bat boy for the then Orleans Cardinals (now the Firebirds), and his family hosted Cape Cod League college players.

When Keith was 12, he and his family hosted Aaron Boone, who played for Orleans that year, led them to the league championship, and was named an all-star. Boone now manages the New York Yankees.

A student with special needs, Keith graduated from Nauset Regional High School in 2001. In season, he worked as a dishwasher and onion rings man at PJ’s in Wellfleet, and a month after his graduation he began working at ACE Hardware in Eastham, where he remained employed for the next 23 years.

“Keith is as much a part of ACE Hardware as anyone in our family,” said Darin Krum, whose father, Gary, opened the store in 1991. “He had the best handwriting in the place,” Darin added. “He knew where everything was, and he committed all essential phone numbers to memory.” His best asset, Darin said, “was his ability to make connections, to build relationships in and out of work.”

Last month Darin and Keith traveled to Boston Children’s Hospital to take part in a fundraiser. A related event in August will feature a display in Keith’s honor.

“Keith had a special connection to everyone who knew him,” wrote Pat Andrulot in an online tribute.

“He was a character,” wrote Thomas Avellar. “His favorite saying was ‘You slacker.’ ”

Gently affectionate insults helped him bond with everyone, said his friends. People knew that if he told them they were in the doghouse, or if he called them “Trouble,” he was affirming his friendship.

For 15 years, Keith was an active member of the Dolphins Special Olympics team. He swam breaststroke and freestyle, and over the years he won medals including gold in statewide competitions.

He was also a member of the Eastham-Orleans Elks, where he served as an “Inner Guard,” who, according to the Elks Club rule book, “is responsible for guarding the inner door of the Lodge at each Lodge meeting.”

Keith was proud of working with Cape Cod Cares for the Troops. Every Memorial Day, he worked the donation booth, and he helped wrap Christmas presents in season. “Whatever they needed,” Keith’s mother Roxanne said, “he would do.”

In 2021, Keith was finally able to set up house on his own, moving to Rock Harbor Village on Main Street in Orleans.

The effect Keith had on others is captured in a post from the Pump House Surf Shop in Orleans: “Keith Hayes was a frequent visitor to the Pump House, and whenever staff saw a bike helmet bopping down the aisles, we knew it was going to be a good day. Effortlessly he made us smile, and pause our hectic day, to create space for his presence.”

It was not until after his death that his family learned Keith had signed up to be an organ donor. “He did anything for anybody,” his mother said.

Keith is survived by his parents, Thomas and Roxanne Hayes of Eastham; his brother, Jason Hayes and wife Kirsten of Chatham; a niece, Sage; a nephew, Maddox; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A celebration of Keith’s life will take place on Sunday, May 19 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Orleans-Eastham Elks Club. Bring your favorite stories, friends advise, because Keith would only want laughs.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Keith’s name to Cape Cod Cares for the Troops at P.O. Box 1441, Harwich 02645.