Hayes Merritt Kemper

Hayes Merritt Kemper, 16 month old son of Jake and Kylie Bean Kemper, formerly of Hanover, passed from his Earthside life in his parents arms on August 14, 2022 in Boston, MA.

On March 27, 2021, Hayes was born in Colorado with Congenital Heart Disease and diagnosed at 6 months old with a rare disease called Pulmonary Vein Stenosis. He spent his life in and out of children's hospitals around the country, including the last three months of his life at Boston Children's Hospital. Hayes had two open heart surgeries before his first birthday as well as thirteen heart catheter procedures. Although his life was nothing like the life his parents had hoped for him, he was more than his parents could have ever prayed and hoped for.

Hayes made an incredible impact on his parents, as well as those who were lucky enough to meet him. Hayes radiated joy and will always be remembered for his infectious laugh, his love of his family, as well as his scrunched nose smile. Hayes loved books, FaceTiming his family, dancing to music, watching people, messing with his medical equipment when he was supposed to be napping, watching Sesame Street, eating spicy foods and taking walks in his wagon. His nicknames included Hayesey Boy, Hazelnut, Hazel Bug and the Haze Craze. Some of his nurses described him as "the cutest boy they've ever met" and his parents agreed. He had the most beautiful, curious green eyes and rocked a man bun and mullet combo. He was so easy to love and so deeply missed.

In addition to his parents, Hayes is survived by a large fan club who gave him an incredible amount of love during his life. This club included his Blue Tick Beagle, Leo; maternal grandparents, Greg & Shelly Bean, formerly of Hanover; paternal grandparents, Miri & Neal Kemper of Hanover; uncles and aunts, Parker Bean & Erin Kelly-Bean, Trevor Bean, Cole Kemper, Zach Kemper, Frankie and Tyler Tyson; and cousins, Owen and Eli Tyson.

A service honoring Hayes's life will be held 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 29th at LCBC Church, 1504 Broadway, Hanover, PA with the Rev. Matt Parks officiating. The family will receive guests following the service. The family requests that those attending the service wear casual and bright colored clothing.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to Pulmonary Vein Stenosis research at Boston Children's Hospital, in memory of Hayes Kemper. Contributions can be made at http://bostonchildrens.org/giveinmemory or mailed to Boston Children’s Hospital Trust, 401 Park Drive Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215-5301. Please include Hayes Kemper's name and "PVS Research" in the memo line.