Jeffery Robert Hayward-Hughes

Jeffery Robert Hayward-Hughes of Bellingham, Washington, known to most as Jeff, passed away peacefully at the age of 68 on August 10, 2025.

Born September 12, 1956 in San Jose, California, Jeff spent his childhood moving between Northern California and the wild, windswept beauty of Lopez Island, Washington. He grew up with a sense of curiosity and adventure that would carry him through life.

At WWU, Jeff met Cathy, the love of his life. Together they worked fishing seasons in Alaska, traveled the world, and built a life rich in experiences before settling in Bellingham to raise their two children, Jack and Bristol.

Jeff’s life was full of motion and connection—he loved exploring new places, sharing long conversations with friends, listening to good music, and being surrounded by family. His beloved dogs, Sumi and Osa, were never far from his side.

He is survived by his wife, Cathy (Hayward); children, Jack and Bristol Hayward-Hughes; sister-in-law Chris Hayward; nieces and nephews Clarice Brown (kids Quinn and Foster), John Hayward-Mayhew, Tyler Aydelotte (kids Julie and Nathan), and Lexy Aydelotte, and his loyal dogs. He was preceded in death by his sister, Julie Aydelotte; mother, Alene Tomich; and father, Bob Hughes.

Jeff will be remembered for his boundless spirit, his kindness, and the way he made the world feel bigger and brighter for those who knew him.

We’d like to thank the incredible staff at Fred Hutch Cancer Center for this year of care and support. With their support, we were able to visit our favorite places and spend time with friends and family.

Please join us for Jeff’s party to celebrate, honor, and remember his life on Sunday, September 7, 2025 at 5:00pm at the Chuckanut Bay Distillery, Bellingham, WA. Because we are serving dinner, we ask you to RSVP here: https://partiful.com/e/Sjq79JvsmIWEAbgN3gNf

In lieu of flowers, please hug your dog or raise a glass in Jeff’s memory.