Ronald Leo Hayden

Ron Hayden, 77, of Catonsville Maryland, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, January 4th, 2020.

Ron was born, November 17, 1942 in Baltimore Maryland. He graduated from Poly High School in Baltimore in 1961 and then went on to attend the University of Maryland, where he met his future bride.  Ron and Jan were married on November 23, 1967 in Baltimore and spent 52 amazing years together.  He later received his Bachelor of Science Degree from University of Baltimore. Ron served in the United States Army in 1967 and received his honorable discharge in 1972. Ron worked at Bethelem Steel, Hess Shoes, Burrough’s and found his passion for sales while working for Certified Labs.  His boss and clients would refer to him as the “Greatest Salesmen in the World.”  During his years as a salesman he never forgot any of his client’s birthdays or anniversaries always taking time to send a card.

Ron was an active member of his church, West Baltimore United Methodist Church, for 50 years.  From Youth coordinator, administrative Board Chair, Finance Chair, SPRC Chair, Chair of Trustees – You’re all around “Go To Guy”.  His church family brought him joy, delight, occasional frustration and Love.

Ron enjoyed reading, especially sitting on the rocks on the Coast of Maine, in a chair at the side of the lake or on the patio at the beach looking over the ocean.

He was an avid gardener and everyone who knew him understood his obsession with his golf course grass in his yard. 

He recently got to see the final movie of the Star Wars Series with his son James, over the holidays, which was so important to him since they had seen every Star Wars movie together, btw they both cried.

Ron loved sports and watching the Terps, Ravens and the Orioles play. He enjoyed going to games with Mark and Steph.  Some of his favorite times were going to Orioles spring training with Jan in Florida. He enjoyed playing golf with his “Golf Buddies” including Jack and he recently took up bowling. He enjoyed watching his grandkids Cole, Spencer and Liam play soccer. Hayden and Bella play lacrosse, field hockey and basketball, even if he didn’t completely understand what he was watching.  Nonetheless he knew exactly where they were on the field or court. Ron’s youngest grandchild Zeke kept him on his toes, which he loved.

Travel was a huge part of Ron’s life. He loved going to the beach and cruises but his yearly summer vacation with the family to Maine contained some of his most cherished memories. He enjoyed kayaking and recently took up jet skiing with his grandson, Tate. He would get so excited to go he would start his packing list months in advance.

The most amazing part of Ron was his infectious personality.  He was a true jokester and talked to anyone, we mean ANYONE, even if he didn’t know them. He would strike up conversations with complete strangers and by the end have all of their information in his palm.  When he first started chemo treatment’s he would show everyone his silly socks he was wearing and by the end of the appointments, the doctors and nurses were all wearing them too.  They would stop him in the hall to show them. Then there are his jokes.  Filtered or not he told them to everyone.  Most recently, one of his favorite jokes he heard from his grandson Liam.  What is the biggest Pan in the world? …….. JaPAN.

Ron is preceded in death by his father Charles Hayden and mother Lillian Hayden. 

He is survived by his wife Jan of 52 years.  His children, daughter Melissa (Bryan) Kesner-Fultz, and son James (Beth) Hayden. His 9 Grandchildren: Mark, Jr. (Stephanie), Tate, Cole, Hayden, Spencer, Bella, Liam and Ezekiel, Nephew, Jeremy Day  his younger brother Bruce (Susan) Hayden and his nephew Matthew (Anna) and niece Elizabeth (Erik) and their families.

Everyone consistently said the same thing about Ron, “Ron was the life of the party,” “Ron made everyone feel loved and a part of his family”, “Ron’s personality was larger than life”, “Did you hear Ron’s Joke?” but most recently everyone agreed that there is no one like Ron Hayden and he will be greatly missed.

Thank you for leaving us with a joke and a smile on our face.  We are all better people for having you in our lives. 

There will be a Celebration of Life Ceremony Sunday, January 19th, 2020 to honor Ron. The service will begin at 12:00 noon and will be held at West Baltimore United Methodist Church, 5130 Greenwich Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21229. After the service please join us as we continue the Celebration, at the FOP 69 (The Lodge), 2832 Nine Mile Circle from 2:00pm to 5:30pm. Our dads wishes we’re for everyone to wear their favorite crazy socks and dress in casual clothes.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memory of Ron Hayden to West Baltimore United Methodist Church. 5160 Greenwich Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21229.

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