Hailey Vincent

Miss Hailey — Haileykins — Chunk — Fred — Hailey Pantz

Hailey K. Vincent, 31, died unexpectedly of natural causes in her Fort Collins home May 25, 2022, just two months shy of her 32nd birthday. A tiny individual, Hailey made a giant impact on the lives she touched. As the first grandchild on both sides, her arrival was anticipated with great joy and she was adored by both her Peters and Vincent grandparents.

Hailey was a fun kid with a wide, beaming smile – her trademark feature. You knew you'd made a great joke when Hailey pig laughed! Hailey could walk on her hands, hold a baby with tenderness, and catch unsuspecting trout on dry flies. She had a flawless back cast that was the envy of many a seasoned fisherperson. Hailey was an accomplished morel hunter who enjoyed many a Memorial Day weekend with lifelong buddies, scouting the woods for fungus.

Hailey's look was all her own. As a young teen and into adulthood, Hailey continually changed her hair style and color. A fashion slave to no one, she was often seen wearing a crumpled tie-dye or concert t-shirt, boho skirt, leggings, her white Adidas kicks, and a favorite hat. She also loved Halloween, make up, dress up, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. Enthralled by horror flicks, Hailey was fully versed in the creepy and gory and her personal and decorating style reflected the juxtaposition of darkness and beauty.

Hailey loved family reunions and time at Taylor Park, CO with her precious cousin Jess. She would count the weeks and minutes until she and Jess could be together, disappearing for hours to prowl the hills for mischief and moose. They loved riding horses and simply being together to talk.

Hailey was a talented artist and an old soul. She saw and felt life and people in ways that were overwhelming to her at times, traits she shared with generations of creatives. She expressed herself through writing, drawing, painting, and sketching.

Hailey loved music and was always sleuthing for obscure, talented musicians and bands to follow. Among her favorites and discoveries were the well-known and emerging – The Beatles, David Bowie, Tool, The Chainsmokers, Regina Spektor, Sylvan Esso, and Misfits – and she listened to live music at every opportunity. When Hailey was 7 and in love with Justin Timberlake, her mom surprised Hailey and a childhood friend with tickets to *NSYNC at the Idaho Center, and the girls danced and sang the night away. Hailey's eclectic musical taste evolved, and when she was a young teenager, her music-loving dad treated her to a Blink-182 concert. The concert was a highlight for Hailey and a shock (such language in front of youngsters!!) for dad.

While we each saw different facets of Hailey, consistent themes include her unwavering kindness and care for those in need and her notorious stubbornness. A natural caregiver, she had a gift for speaking with and to the vulnerable in a manner that encouraged true connection.

Caregiving and stubbornness drove Hailey to become a hard worker, primarily in the food industry as a cook. Hailey's longest tenure was with Flying Pie where she learned much about quality and customer service and made many friends. Hailey's love of making pies, cooking, and connecting with others led her work at Parkview Estates in Fort Collins. There she made a friend who told the family in the most heartfelt way how Hailey encouraged him to continue to grow, and he has – from dishwasher to cook at the same facility.

Hailey decided to refresh her life and return to her hometown of Boise, Idaho. She planned to share adventures and a home with her dear friend, Saira. We could not wait to see her. The abyss of losing Hailey just when we thought she'd be close again is indescribable. And she would be so angry at us for lingering too long in sadness. We hold dear Hailey's infectious smile, love of nature, spirituality, generosity, and selflessness. Hailey wanted nothing more than to protect and help vulnerable animals and people, in that order.

Please join us August 16 at the Barber Park Event Center, 4049 S. Eckert Road, Boise, Idaho, for a reunion Hailey would love. Wear something that reminds you of Hailey and bring your memories of Hailey to share. Arrive at 4:30 pm; memorial commences promptly at 5:00 pm with reception immediately following. Food and soft drinks are provided.

Hailey was preceded in death by her beloved cousin Jake Vincent and three grandparents from Lawrence, Kansas: Jon Vincent and Dick and Kathy Peters. She is survived by her mother, Laura Peters; brother, Ethan Rackham; father, Sean Vincent; monster (stepmom), Laura Jantz; grandmother, Maria Vincent; members of her extended bio, step, and fur families including 3-legged kitty Boomer; and many dear friends and coworkers.

The family thanks their Colorado cousins and Hailey's roommates for their love and concern for Hailey throughout their journey with her, and especially during the last several weeks.

In memory of Hailey, please complete random acts of kindness throughout your life; alternatively, or additionally, donations may be made in Hailey's name to the Idaho Humane Society or a favorite charity that assists vulnerable individuals.

Hailey, we hope you're free.