In Memorium, Ant Hayes, 1970-2011

General Homebrew Discussion
21

Jeff

Sorry for you having to pass on this news and to hear from you again in this way. Like Jeff I met Ant via the HBD, there was always the usual comment about Australian Rugby players having their minds erased when they went thru the airport scanner and then one day he cooked up the Home Brew Tri Nations. Thru this I met one of my very best beer-mates, the illustrious Kurtz, with the winner of the competition going on to become install brewer at one of Australia’s best craft brewers, Murrays Brewing Co.

Having Ant and his family in Australia a few Christmases ago will be now be remembered fondly evermore as will be the charming smile that watched me pull into the beach-side shack with a tray load of kegs and a magic box on the back of my hilux ‘to sample’. I’d known Ant for nearly 12 years online and meeting him in person that first time was like it was the 1000th time. Needless to say we were just a bit slow the next morning, must have been the sausages.

Ant will be remembered by many especially a loving wife and 2 wonderful kids. If it was not for Ant working hard with the BJCP what are now regular exams in Australia would never be. Ant helped raise the bar and had conviction for good beer above all else. That same conviction keeps me going in my brewing job. Will miss you mate,

Scotty

22

This is very shocking.

When I traveled to South Africa 5 years ago or so I contacted Ant.  He and Llew took me to a local pub and then to their houses so that I could see their brewing set-up.  Then Ant invited me to stay over for a BBQ.  I had never met or talked with Ant before other than an email or two.  But here we were, stangers seperated by thousands of miles, brought together by home brew.  I was happy to see Ant during the conference in Minnesota.  It was great to catch up a little.  He always seemed happy and cheerful and was great to talk to.

During his presentation on Lesser Known and Misunderstood English Beer Styles last June, Ant said that Milk Stout was his first love.  In memory of Ant I would like to suggest that the AHA hold a Milk Stout club competition named in his honor.

Steve