As a trained pianist who once made his living at the keyboard, Ramon Hayes is a big fan of low-key ceremonies.
Even when he’s the honoree.
Such was the case on Monday when a plaque honoring the former four-term mayor was unveiled on the La Conner Boardwalk, whose construction was a crowning achievement of Hayes’ long tenure at Town Hall.
In the understated fashion that he appreciates most, it was a small group of Town officials, family, and friends that gathered with Hayes for the brief 10-minute celebration.
Strong was instrumental in getting the plaque created after Hanneman initiated the idea.
Photo by Nancy K. Crowell/La Conner Community News
Hayes took special delight in noticing that prior to its unveiling the plaque was covered with a towel from the Town Public Works Department, whose crew fashioned its protective frame.
“We tried to make this low-key,” explained current Mayor Marna Hanneman, who along with former Town Arts Commissioner Sylvia Strong and others had spent the better part of a year planning the commemoration.
“I appreciate that,” Hayes said of the toned-down event. “That’s my nature.”
His wife, Heidi Hayes, knew about the project from the get-go. She said every attempt was made to keep it under wraps as long as possible.
“It’s been since last year that I had to keep the secret,” Heidi said. “And that’s not my strong suit.”
Hayes only recently learned of the plan to honor him with a boardwalk plaque. He and Heidi arrived about a minute before the scheduled unveiling.
Town Administrator Scott Thomas drafted the plaque’s message. It reads: “Dedicated to Ramon Hayes, Mayor of La Conner, 2008-2023, who dreamed of a walk along the water for all.”
Beneath the script, fittingly, is the image of a piano keyboard.
“This,” Thomas told Hayes, “is our thank you for all the work you put into this boardwalk and all the other projects, trials, and tribulations of 16 years in public office.”
“I want to thank you all for being here to honor me and my family,’ Hayes responded. “The boardwalk project is really a ‘two-fer.’ Locals love it and use it and there’s also an economic benefit.”
Forging key governmental partnerships and securing crucial funding sources helped make possible the long-held dream of providing greater public access to the La Conner waterfront. The project broke ground in October 2012, early in Hayes’ second term. Construction was completed in 2015.
“The Town staff, Port of Skagit, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Skagit County, and state lawmakers all played a part in this,” he stressed. “It took all those hands coming together to make this happen.”
As Hayes agreed to requests that he pose for pictures with the new plaque, he engaged in his trademark self-deprecating humor, asking Nancy Crowell of La Conner Community News to only photograph his good side.
“God,” Hayes chuckled, “has a way of making you humble. I cut myself shaving this morning.”
No one minded, though, as passersby on the boardwalk repeatedly extended congratulations to Hayes.
“It’s a heckuva thing you got done here,” La Conner resident and business owner Rick Trelstad said as he and Hayes shook hands.
It was left to Thomas, who wrote the plaque’s dedication, to provide the last word.
“Now you’re immortalized,” he told Hayes, “if you weren’t before.”
Bill Reynolds is a general assignment reporter who covers Town government, schools, and spot news.
