Obituary of Edward Hayden

Peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 Edward Carman David Hayden was called home at the age of 57. Edward "Eddie" will be greatly missed by his wife, his soul mate of thirty-seven years, and golf partner Roxzena, his two children Jennifer and Edward (jr), both of whom he was extremely proud and his daughter-in-law Martha. Eddie always enjoyed being with his family and especially his granddaughters, Gwendolyn and Presley, who always made him smile and found a special place in Poppie's heart. Eddie loved the Lord, loved life and loved to laugh. Predeceased by his parents David (2008) and May (nee George) (1986). Forever remembered by siblings Trena (Gary) Kidson of Spryfield Nova Scotia, Crystal Hayden of Windsor, Nova Scotia and Mark (Sara) Hayden of Windsor Nova Scotia. He will be missed by his aunts, uncles, cousins and many wonderful friends. Edward was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia and lived in Spryfield, Halifax Co. until the age of 16 when his family moved to Windsor, Nova Scotia. There his parents owned and operated "Hayden's Grocery" on Gerrish St. While living in Windsor Edward became a member of the Windsor Volunteer Fire Department; he also met his wife Roxzena on a blind date arranged by a fellow firefighter. Besides working in his parents store he was an insurance salesman, worked at Ben's Bakery and joined the Canadian Coast Guard. It was while working as the captain's Stewart aboard the C.C.G Icebreaker Louis St. Laurent that he found love and respect for the ocean. He always enjoyed cooking so he took training and received certification as a cook. After developing an allergy to fish/seafood he became a paramedic, while remaining as a volunteer firefighter. Edward served in these two roles (Firefighter/Paramedic) for 13 years and 10 years respectively, receiving numerous certifications. As members of The Salvation Army Windsor Corps (Church) Edward and Roxzena felt God's call to be officers (Ministers). In 1990 they and their two children, Jennifer and Edward, moved to Toronto to attend The Salvation Army Training College. After being ordained and commissioned as Salvation Army Officers (Ministers); Edward and Roxzena served as Corps Officers for seven years then were appointed to full time Community and Family Services work. Edward always wanted to help others and received extensive training in Emergency Services work along with other numerous certifications. It was as a Community and Family Services Officer Edward felt that God was truly able to use him to reach out the who-so-ever. While in Strathroy he joined the Strathroy Rotary Club to help make a difference in the community. He always enjoyed singing so he joined the Caradoc Community Choir, he also enjoyed playing the trombone in the Salvation Army Hillcrest Band. Edward and Roxzena were commissioned as the Strathroy-Caradoc Police Chaplains, and they both are members of the Canadian Police Chaplains Association. Community and Family Services work was the most rewarding aspect of his ministry serving, in that capacity for 14 years. He always enjoyed a game of golf and any day on the golf course, no matter what the score, was a good day. He loved hockey and enjoyed the Strathroy Rockets home games and as a true Toronto Maple Leafs fan, there was always "next year". Major Edward Hayden was serving as the Strathroy Community and Family Services Executive Director when he received his last appointment "Promoted To Glory" on Tuesday, May 8, 2012. Friends will be received at East Christian Reformed Church, 476 Metcalfe Street East, Strathroy on Friday, May 11th from 10-12 am & 2-4 & 7-9 pm. A funeral service will be held at East Christian Reformed Church on Saturday, May 12th at 2 pm with Major Rene Loveless officiating. Cremation to follow with private family inurnment in Forest Lawn Cemetery, London. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.