With deepest love and sadness, we share the passing of Capt. (ret.) Harold Ray Edward Hayden at the age of 92, on March 15, 2022.
Ray is survived by his loving wife, Mary, of 65 years; daughter, Linda (Claude) Gibeau; granddaughters, Jackie (Thomas) Lemoine and Rachel (John) Richards; special great-grandsons, Dexter and Felix Lemoine; sisters, Gail (Mike) Hale and Sally de Zwaan; nephew, Bruce and niece, Julie; great-niece, Alex; and great-nephews, Troy, Jack, and Ben.
Ray was predeceased by his parents Harold and Alice Hayden; son, Gary (Diana); and niece, Charlene.
Born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Ray was a dedicated member of the military starting in his early teens, first as a member of the Seaforth Highlanders Cadet Corps, and later as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, retiring in 1976.
Ray held several military postings across Canada, and with NATO in Germany as Quartermaster with Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI). After his retirement from the military, he worked as a chief training officer with Alberta Safety Services, travelling to many towns and cities across the province.
As a 45-year member of the Royal Canadian Legion and member of the Masonic Lodge, Ray was an active participant in the Edmonton community. An intelligent and caring man, he always took the time to share his stories and impart his wisdom. Ray was known for his dry and witty sense of humour.
In their retirement, Mary and Ray spent 21 years wintering in Yuma, Arizona, where he loved to play golf. He also enjoyed curling for many years and played piano almost until his final days.
Cremation has taken place. A Private Service will be held at the family’s request, officiated by Reverend Heather Liddell. Inurnment will take place at a later date.
We extend our gratitude and thanks to all the staff of Kipnes Centre for Veterans for their kindness, care, and support during the final months of Ray’s life, and to Dr. Pawluski for his services.
If desired, Memorial Donations in Ray’s memory may be made to The Salvation Army, Alberta & Northern Territories Divisional Headquarters, 200-5615 101 Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6A 3Z7 or a charity of choice.
A Higher Purpose
A Poem for Ray Hayden
A wildfire of short red hair
Came running down
The beaches of Vancouver
On the lookout for danger
A higher purpose always in mind
You stepped light on your feet
Centre mid on the soccer pitch
The play in your control
Sights set on the goal ahead
A higher purpose always in mind
Marrying the love of your life
Bringing up two beautiful babes
To be stationed across Canada
And worlds beyond overseas
A higher purpose always in mind
You jumped out of airplanes
Fired booming artillery shots
On the brink of Cold War
From Germany’s picturesque plains
A higher purpose always in mind
Until you settled your bones
To live out your golden years
Love growing in new generations
A piano’s tune carrying you till the end
A higher purpose always in mind
– Rachel Richards
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Harold “Ray Edward Hayden 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Edmonton, Province: Alberta