Doug's Origin Story
December 7, 2020
by Susan Hayes
Douglas M. Hayes landed on Earth in Rockville, Maryland on
April 30, 1953 into the arms of Franklyn & Mary Hayes. After a long life of
fighting for truth, justice and the American way, he entered the Hall of Heroes
on December 3, 2020.
Training as a young boy in Boy Scouts, he gained the skills necessary to be the leader of his own troop, as well as the leader for his two sons later on in life. Doug was never known to shy away from what some would call "arguments" however; he would say that he was just explaining why he was right. Although he often "argued" in a loud voice, he could walk away from that confrontation, still being your friend. Through his discovery of comic books, he gained wisdom and vocabulary to add to his utility belt of knowledge. As an avid comic collector and sci-fi aficionado, Doug related story lines or characters to almost every conversation. His children can testify that everything can be connected to Babylon 5. He always lived near a comic book store, whether it was riding his bike to Rexall’s in Rockville, or walking on Main Street to Comic Classics in Laurel.
The summer before attending University of Maryland for his Journalism Degree, he met his heroine and love of his life, Susan. They married in 1976 and grew their super-family to have three children: Justin, Laurien, and Philip.
While helping to raise his family in Laurel for 32 years, he became involved in different ministries at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church including an elongated stint as Pledge Treasurer, Senior Warden, and Vestry Member. He also was active in the City of Laurel’s Historic District Commission from 2010-2019, one of his crusades to promote preservation efforts in the local area.
While trying not to reveal his superhero identity in the business world, Doug held a few different positions: Technical Architect at USA Today, Computer Analyst at TerpSys, and Customer Support Supervisor at CSRA. He also briefly ventured into his own mobile coffee business, Moving Grounds Café.
Doug was often seen cruising in his Pontiac Solstice, which he took great pride in acquiring #506 out of the first 1000 vehicles manufactured. This vigilante vehicle was taken on countless road trips with Susan, visiting microbreweries and historic towns along scenic routes.
Sports also played an important part in Doug’s life. His love for Maryland sports began during his own college years playing basketball with his friends (Go Roundabouts!). He was a devoted Baltimore Raven’s fan, dating back to their former life as the Baltimore Colts. He was also an ardent tennis enthusiast, known as a valiant player who was always ready for a match with whoever could keep up with his super-serve.
Doug and Susan recently relocated to Walkersville, Maryland to get a taste of the retired country life. To his delight, a vacant storefront at the end of the block opened as a comic book store. His continued passion for historic preservation extended to not only restoring his own homes through the years but also to community organizations including Laurel’s Historical Society and Preservation Maryland.
Doug is survived by his wife Susan and children Justin, Laurien, Philip; son-in-law Will; grandchildren Hayes and Shea; brothers David, Richard, and Paul; seven nieces and nephews; as well as his two dogs Marley and Cider Rose.
If you like to continue his passion for historic restoration and adaptive reuse, please consider donations to either Preservation Maryland’s Historic Property Redevelopment Fund (www.presmd.org/hayes ), or St. Philip’s Episcopal Church Building Fund (https://onrealm.org/stphilipslaurel/-/give/Memorial) and let his legacy continue.
Training as a young boy in Boy Scouts, he gained the skills necessary to be the leader of his own troop, as well as the leader for his two sons later on in life. Doug was never known to shy away from what some would call "arguments" however; he would say that he was just explaining why he was right. Although he often "argued" in a loud voice, he could walk away from that confrontation, still being your friend. Through his discovery of comic books, he gained wisdom and vocabulary to add to his utility belt of knowledge. As an avid comic collector and sci-fi aficionado, Doug related story lines or characters to almost every conversation. His children can testify that everything can be connected to Babylon 5. He always lived near a comic book store, whether it was riding his bike to Rexall’s in Rockville, or walking on Main Street to Comic Classics in Laurel.
The summer before attending University of Maryland for his Journalism Degree, he met his heroine and love of his life, Susan. They married in 1976 and grew their super-family to have three children: Justin, Laurien, and Philip.
While helping to raise his family in Laurel for 32 years, he became involved in different ministries at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church including an elongated stint as Pledge Treasurer, Senior Warden, and Vestry Member. He also was active in the City of Laurel’s Historic District Commission from 2010-2019, one of his crusades to promote preservation efforts in the local area.
While trying not to reveal his superhero identity in the business world, Doug held a few different positions: Technical Architect at USA Today, Computer Analyst at TerpSys, and Customer Support Supervisor at CSRA. He also briefly ventured into his own mobile coffee business, Moving Grounds Café.
Doug was often seen cruising in his Pontiac Solstice, which he took great pride in acquiring #506 out of the first 1000 vehicles manufactured. This vigilante vehicle was taken on countless road trips with Susan, visiting microbreweries and historic towns along scenic routes.
Sports also played an important part in Doug’s life. His love for Maryland sports began during his own college years playing basketball with his friends (Go Roundabouts!). He was a devoted Baltimore Raven’s fan, dating back to their former life as the Baltimore Colts. He was also an ardent tennis enthusiast, known as a valiant player who was always ready for a match with whoever could keep up with his super-serve.
Doug and Susan recently relocated to Walkersville, Maryland to get a taste of the retired country life. To his delight, a vacant storefront at the end of the block opened as a comic book store. His continued passion for historic preservation extended to not only restoring his own homes through the years but also to community organizations including Laurel’s Historical Society and Preservation Maryland.
Doug is survived by his wife Susan and children Justin, Laurien, Philip; son-in-law Will; grandchildren Hayes and Shea; brothers David, Richard, and Paul; seven nieces and nephews; as well as his two dogs Marley and Cider Rose.
If you like to continue his passion for historic restoration and adaptive reuse, please consider donations to either Preservation Maryland’s Historic Property Redevelopment Fund (www.presmd.org/hayes ), or St. Philip’s Episcopal Church Building Fund (https://onrealm.org/stphilipslaurel/-/give/Memorial) and let his legacy continue.