1936 – 2014

TOGUS — Roger F. Hayden, 77, of Industry, died Saturday, June 21, in the hospice unit at the VA Medical Center in Togus, surrounded by his loving daughters.

He was born in Fort Fairfield on Nov. 3, 1936, a son of Lewis and Florence Mae (Haines) Hayden Sr. He was raised in Aroostook County and at the age of 17, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Upon his completion of service, he moved to Wilton and married Linda White in 1961, and started a family.

He and his brother, Lewis Hayden Jr., founded Hayden Brothers Shoe in 1970, which he operated for many years. He and his family were also longtime members of Dryden Baptist Church.

Roger lived a full life. His adventures included being a barber in Washington, D.C., a pilot and captain of a water taxi in Corpus Christi, Texas, where the future President George W. Bush was one of his fares. He was a gentle man, with quick wit and a ready smile. He always found the good in others.

He embraced the last leg of his Earthly journey with humor and grace. His six weeks in hospice care were pleasant and he thoroughly enjoyed making the most of every moment.

He is survived by two daughters, Jeana Hayden-Ireland and her husband, Lee, of Industry and Shelly Hayden and her husband, Nathaniel Hunt, of Pownal; a sister, Jackie Lyon and her husband, Eddie, of Deltona, Fla.; a sister-in-law, Evangeline Hayden, of Dryden; and six granddaughters, Kathlene Baker of Portland, Kimberlee Osborn of Farmington, Kelby Tracy of Odgen, Utah, and Grace, Eden and Lily Hayden-Hunt of Pownal.

He was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Kathleen Jackson Hayden; and brothers, Richard and Lewis Jr.

Roger’s family wishes to thank the Togus Hospice staff and volunteers for their loving care and kindness.

Words of condolence and tribute may be shared with Roger’s family and friends on his tribute wall at www.wilesrc.com.