Nicholas Hayes Ney
Feb. 8, 1953-April 21, 2026
Redwood City, California

Nicholas Hayes Ney, PhD February 8, 1953 – April 21, 2026 Nicholas Hayes Ney, PhD, psychologist, passed away on April 21, 2026, at Silverado Belmont Hills Memory Care in Belmont, California, following complications from advanced Alzheimer’s disease. He was 73. Nick was born in Darien, Connecticut. He attended Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts, where he later served on the Board of Trustees, and earned his doctorate from the California School of Professional Psychology in the Bay Area. The son of a highly successful advertising executive, Nick’s path was shaped by a defining moment: seated on a hillside with his father — a man he deeply admired — he announced his wish to turn inward, toward reflection and meaning. He carried that intention forward with quiet fidelity for the rest of his life, guided by a definition of success measured not by prominence, but by authenticity. He spent his career in private practice psychotherapy in Palo Alto and Redwood City, California, believing deeply in people’s capacity to become their best selves. He regarded his clients as heroes, admiring the courage it takes to face vulnerability in pursuit of change and authenticity. Spirited, warm, and deeply curious, he loved music, was fond of the turn of a good phrase and loved to dance. Early in his career he was part of Stanford’s original addiction treatment program, and later led forgiveness workshops at Alta Mira Treatment Center in Sausalito. Nick was a playful and loving father to his sons, Conor Hayes Ney of Oakland, California, and Hunter Noonan Ney of Brooklyn, NYC, both of whom will miss him dearly. He is survived by his wife, Theresa Raymer, who stood by him with great care and her sons Ben, James, and Jack; by his sons Conor and Hunter, along with their mother and his former wife, Colleen King Ney of Palo Alto, California; and by his sisters, Hilary Ney and Michelle Kilduff, both of Vermont. He was preceded in death by his parents, Suzanne Hayes Ney and Edward Noonan Ney, United States Ambassador to Canada.