of Conway, AR
January 19, 1970 - May 19, 2022
Michael was loved deeply by his family and friends. He was a loving and caring man, and a very wonderful son to Linda. He was the kindest brother and best friend to his sister Michelle and his brother in law, Michael. He adored being an Uncle to David and Jonathan and enjoyed playing Dungeons and Dragons and other games with them and David's friend Sabrina. He was a very loving nephew to Richard and Judy Schroeder and his cousins Jeff and Gregg as well, all from San Jose, California. He also especially loved Perry and Betty Lou Wynn of Bald Knob, Arkansas.
Michael David Hares, 52, of Conway, Arkansas, passed away on Thursday, May 19, 2022. He was born in Stanford, California, on January 19, 1970 to William and Linda Hares and soon became a California man! He was such an easy going, smart person and he was very funny! He participated in sports as a child and really enjoyed skateboarding. Later he played soccer and rugby while in college. He loved studying history and foreign languages. He was proficient in both German and French.
Upon leaving high school, Michael worked at the original Tower Records, fulfilling his love of music and further pursuing a dream of becoming a businessman, by opening his own underground record label store "Pirate Cat Records" in downtown San Jose. His extensive music collection includes everything from punk rock to heavy metal, classical and opera, and also the likes of Frank Sinatra and Tiajuana Brass. Eventually, Michael joined the Army Reserves and continued to find his way professionally. After the tragedy of September 11th, he came back home to attend school in Archeological studies. He surveyed the Mojave Desert and the coast line in Southern California and always had many interesting stories to share. He was proficient in mapping and Native American history. On one site a Native American tribe, officially named him "Two Rabbits". He had rabbit tattoos and marked his tool handles with his "two rabbits" image.
When his step-father passed away, he and his mother moved to Arkansas, where a new chapter in his life began. He played a great game of darts! We loved playing Baggo in the yard and poker on indoor days. He was a great cook as well.
Unfortunately, in December 2020, he developed Glioblastoma Multiforme Grade 4. He had a successful surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Michael never complained as he continued monthly treatments. Our family did not take this time for granted and continued to have family game nights. He beat us at everything. He was given another 17 months before his illness became untreatable and he went home to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Michael will be missed greatly by all who knew him.
Those left to cherish his memories are his mother, Linda Smiley; sister, Michelle Wynn (Hares); brother-in-law, Michael Wynn; and two nephews, David and Jonathan Wynn and extended family members and friends.
His loved ones who preceded him in death were his step-father, James Harvey Smiley; father, William Lionel Hares; maternal grandparents, Morris and Grace Stapleton; and paternal grandparents, Leo and Louise Hares.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Khaled Krisht and his team at CHI St. Vincent Arkansas Neuroscience Institute for the expert and loving care they showed Michael.
We would also like to thank Dr. Kerry Jordan, at the University of Central Arkansas for allowing Michael to participate in the outstanding program to assist members in our community with dementias including brain cancer.
We must especially thank all of our friends, family, neighbors, colleagues, church families and many more angels for prayers and assistance throughout the time of Michael's illness.
There will be a memorial service on Friday, June 3rd, at 2:00P.M. held at Roller McNutt Funeral Home, 650 Central Landing Blvd. in Conway, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, our family would like to continue to help make a difference in our community. Please donate here to the Michael David Hares Memorial fund, and help provide continued research, therapeutic activities and clinical practice for our health care students at the University of Central Arkansas: http://uca.edu/go/MichaelDavidHaresMemorial
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30 Condolence(s)
diane paxton
Friday, October 27, 2023
Just learned of Micheals passing! I am so happy to know what a wonderful and very smart person he was. His fatherBill, my brother would be so pleased to know what a lovely and respected person his son was! My love to Linda and Michelle. Diane
Kymbre Taylor
Sunday, January 22, 2023
This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. Saying goodbye to a friend is never easy and Mike was not only a friend to me but he was also my first love. He helped me through some dark and difficult times in my life. His courage and strength taught me to be an advocate for myself. He was quite humorous, very witty and extremely artistic. Always a great conversationalist, we would talk for hours about history, music and art…
rather he would attempt to teach me history and enjoy different types of music and art! He was the life of parties and always ready for mischievous fun. He was a caring and generous guy who brought the best out of people.
Even though it’s been 30 years since I’ve spoken to Mike, the memories I have of him will always be with me.
My thoughts and prayers are with Linda, Michelle and the rest of Mike’s family as they grieve for the wonderful man they’ve lost. It would have been Mike’s 53rd birthday today so I’ll have a few drinks in his honor.
Rest in peace my friend.
Kymbre Taylor
Thursday, January 19, 2023
This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. Saying goodbye to a friend is never easy and Mike was not only a friend to me but he was also my first love. He helped me through some dark and difficult times in my life. His courage and strength taught me to be an advocate for myself. He was quite humorous, very witty and extremely artistic. Always a great conversationalist, we would talk for hours about history, music and art…
rather he would attempt to teach me history and enjoy different types of music and art! He was the life of parties and always ready for mischievous fun. He was a caring and generous guy who brought the best out of people.
Even though it’s been 30 years since I’ve spoken to Mike, the memories I have of him will always be with me.
My thoughts and prayers are with Linda, Michelle and the rest of Mike’s family as they grieve for the wonderful man they’ve lost. It would have been Mike’s 53rd birthday today so I’ll have a few drinks in his honor.
Rest in peace my friend.
Cary Daugherty
Thursday, November 17, 2022
I’m so sorry for your guys loss. I meet Michael while living at apartments in Escondido ca. he was a great friend. We always had coffee or tea. On my days off we watched manu while they were on tv. I wish to talk to him one more time. Your family is in my prayers
Ramon Pinon
Sunday, July 17, 2022
I have no words to express my shock and sadness at this news. My musical tastes were influenced by knowing him. He always has a plan that was far removed from the rest of us.
Have not interacted with Mike in 30 years, but this news hits hard. Wishing my deepest condolences to his family.
Looking for Samhain on Spotify to play on a loop and remember him.
Jeff Schroeder
Saturday, June 4, 2022
I am truly at a loss for words on the passing of my cousin. Mike was someone that I always looked up to growing up. I thought Mike was the coolest. All those days we spent as kids playing legos, GI Joe, D&D, skating and of course, listening to music. I’d give anything to go back and be sitting in your room with you and be listening to some import 7†vinyl you recently picked up. I was always in such awe at the passion you had for music and world history. You always made me smile and laugh at stories you’d tell me. It didn’t matter the subject. You were always so caring, always smiling and I felt safe around you. I love you and I’ll miss you.
Aunite and Michelle, I am thinking about you both. In this incredible time of loss for our family, I take comfort knowing that Mike will never really leave us as long as we keep him in our hearts. I love you both, hugs from CA. Hope to see you both very soon.
Jennifer Palmer
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
Michael, was the kind of guy that always made me laugh but also pushed me to always be the better version of myself. I first met Michael at a graduation party at the end of my Freshman beginning of my Sophomore year in High School! I started hanging out with the group after I started dating his best friend from San Jose. Hares was a great guy who could always pull a historical fact out for every situation. He wasn't afraid to push the limits and always cracked a joke at the right times. I remember visiting him before and sometimes during first period in school when he lived at Bottinis! He would have his guitar out playing tunes from one of his records he would be listening to, practicing for his band. He would always offer to be there when we needed him emotionally or just in general. Hares had a way of making me feel confident in my choices and really was instrumental in pulling a bunch our group of misfits together that didn't quite fit in the box society held for us. He accepted everyone for who they truly were. Hares also gave me his family connection. Linda and Jim were also there for me when I moved to Riverside for college. They took me and my friends in, even when Michael wasn't there. I would visit the family on weekends and holidays, hanging out by the pool and chatting! Linda, Michelle, I am forever grateful for all that your family gave to me when I needed it the most. Love and acceptance. See you on the other side Hares.
Nancy McDonald
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
On behalf of the entire California McDonald family we are deeply saddened by the loss of Mike. We date back to the 70s when Linda, Pat, and I worked at the VA in Palo Alto. We got to be great friends and it was even love at first sight when we got to meet each other’s kids. Love is eternal, Michael, as are our memories. We love you.
Kerry Jordan
Monday, May 30, 2022
I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to meet and spend time with Michael in our Therapeutic Activity Program . He was such a fun and interesting person. He was always cheerful and engaged in all the activities we did and he really brought a positive vibe to the atmosphere of our group . We felt the whole he left when he attended less often over the Spring.
I will neve forget his presentation on archeology!!! His stories were entertaining and everyone had such a great time when he led our dig!
He is missed indeed! Thank you for allowing us to get to know him.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers moving forward.
Love,
Kerry Jordan
Gary & Jim
Monday, May 30, 2022
We met Michael through his mother, Linda, who was our co-worker and friend in San Diego. A young Michael was in the phase of finding his own identity. Dressed in all black, with black spiked hair, Michael got a job in our Medical Media department doing graphic art. Who knew, back then, that the young, spiked hair guy, was really a nice guy, who meant everything to his mom, and family. Michael will be missed.
Michael Batti
Sunday, May 29, 2022
Dear Linda, Michelle, and Family,
I wish I had words that could ease the pain of your loss. Mike still lives in each one of us. In me, he's my best friend in those young years of childhood to adulthood. I believe we were inseparable even after the move to Gilroy. What I loved about Mike was his intelligence, his way of making anyone feel like the most important person in the room, his ability to recite historical facts and absorb massive amounts of information. He was kind, generous, a first rate listener, a leader and FUN. He was a ton of fun. He was also the trend setter, Rocker to Surfer to skate punk. We even started a band because he bought a bass guitar. I miss him, but, he is still alive in my heart. God bless you Linda, Michelle and family.
Jennifer Wenger
Saturday, May 28, 2022
I wanted to write and let you know that you and your family are in my thoughts right now. I realize that there are no words that I could write or say to make things better, but please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of Michael. The video was lovely to watch. Take care, Jen
Sarah & John Nail
Friday, May 27, 2022
So sorry for your loss. We are keeping your family in our prayers.
Charmaine Bueno DeVivo
Thursday, May 26, 2022
My friend and comrade, my your soul rest. My heart goes out to your family as they have lost such a warm hearted person. We need more like Mike in the world.
Lawrence Nelson Knudson “Lars†if we’re familiar.
Thursday, May 26, 2022
It brings me great sadness to write this.
I knew Mike. I know Sarge.
I’m lucky. We all were.
Words fail me.
I am the person I am because of Mike. His existence is inseparable from my own. I know his impact on others. There is no less gravity In theirs, yours… ungh.
He listened with passion. He lived with abandon and taught others to follow his lead.
He started a record store in my living room.
A pot of coffee was a normal unit measurement.
Laughter was valued by Sarge.
Details. Specific, passionate.
I am the person I am because I was allowed to be myself. I learned that from all of my friends. Mike said less about the path, and more about the walk.
What luck we had knowing such a creature.
I cannot know the pain that Linda and Michelle are experiencing. But I know loss. My love and memories are alive. Trust that I have Mike in my every action.
What luck we have, having known this beautiful creature.
I am grateful.
I am Lars.
I am very, very helpless.
I am not alone.
You are not alone.
“Queues Napalm Death…â€
Night Sarge.
James Dhuyvetter
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Our parents were good friends as we grew up together as kids, and have managed to keep in touch threw out the years. Special prayers for Michael, Michelle and Linda.
John I Covert
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
I met Michael while working on an archaeological project in Seal Beach, California. In a group of colorful people, his personality fit right in. His cheerful personality brightened everybody's day.
I remember him saying on several occasions that he thought about joining the French foreign legion for the travel opportunities! That always made me laugh, and it would not have surprised me if he one day did become a legionnaire!
As I write this I'm smiling, just thinking about him and the fun times we shared.
Rest in peace, Michael.
Peggy Joyce Dhuyvetter
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
I knew Michael as a baby and a sweet little boy. My heart goes out to Michelle and Linda. Blessings and prayers. My family has you in our thoughts and prayers. My love to you both.
Julia Chambers
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Me heart and prayers go out to you all. Michael had a way of always making everyone laugh and making the best out of difficult times and that is one of the best traits one can possess. He chose for the glass to be half full. He was strong and fought hard and I know you are very proud of him. God bless each one of you during this difficult time. We love you very much.
Sincerely,
Julia and Anne-Jillian
Asa Philburn
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
I first met Michael during an archaeological survey on Camp Pendleton, California. After that we worked together on numerous surveys and excavations. Michael was a very sweet and fun person and I always enjoyed working with him.
Im so sad to hear he has passed away, he will be greatly missed.
My condolences to his family.
David Bottini
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
I first met Mike when I was 14. He was a close friend, a roommate, a member of my chosen family, and a friend I never felt disconnected from, despite years of no communication as adults. My deepest condolences to you, Linda. No Mother should go through this. My sincere condolences to all the rest of his family and friends; most of you I do not know and likely never will. All the friends from Gilroy, San Jose, and other parts of the past I communicated with recently, have only good things to say about Mike. He took some crap in his life but was never at a shortage of humor or anything other than a positive outlook. None that we can recall, anyway. The world is a lesser place with his absence. Gilas Mounds para siempre.
James Stanchfield
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Mike was a fundamentally great dude.
Julie Garrett
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
I knew Mike when we were teenagers. He was always such a great guy with the beautiful smile. I'll always remember our long talks.â¤
Cheryl Bowden -Renna
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
I knew Michael during his time as an archaeologist in Southern California. He was also a kind, smart guy who I had the privilege to work with. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Sarah Habtemariam
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
I did not know Michael personally, but have grown close with his sister my colleague. Hearing all her stories made me feel like part of the family. I am sorry for his passing but happy he is in heaven and in no more pain. Love and hugs to the Wynn family.
Joanne Caughy
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
Michael and his sister lived next door to me as kids (I am still close to his sister Michelle). I will always remember him as a sweet, shy little boy who could make everyone around him laugh. My heart and prayers go out to his family and loved ones.
Myrenda Swilley
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
Prayers of peace and comfort to Linda, Michelle and family. With all my love, Myrenda
Rusty Nichols
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
Michael is with my dad and stepmother who passed in the same manner. God bless all of you who knew Michael and loved him.
DOUG THOMPSON
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
John Davis
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
I didn’t know Michel personally, but I work with his brother-in-law Mike. Mike would always talk about him and how wonderful he was. Praying for the family.