Robert H. Hayden

Robert H. Hayden

"Not every flying hero has a cape," Michael Jordan once said.

Robert Herman Hayden was a man of few words. But his actions said it all. He walked through life ready to help anyone who needed a hand and willing to listen to anyone who needed an ear. He didn't leap from skyscraper to skyscraper, but he was a hero to us. Our stoic dad, husband, grandpa, brother and friend passed away March 7, 2023. He was 82, a hero without a cape. Robert grew up on a farm in Michigan. Everyone called him "Hermie." As a teen, He liked fast cars and hanging out with the guys. In 1961, he joined the Airforce on a dare, but quickly rose to the rank of Sergeant and served until 1969. He was a proud veteran. Robert married three times, the last time to the love of his life, Holly Hayden, who died in 2013. He finally got to join his sweetheart. He was a father to five, Jeff Hayden, Krystin Hayden Schmidt, Bobby Hayden, Michele Moore (Mike) and Steve Cobos (Theresa). Robert is survived by five grandchildren, Stephanie Marthell, Hyland Schmidt, Silas Hayden, Aubrey Hovey, and Brandon Hovey, and one great-grandson, Harlow Hovey, among many other family members. He worked at Nobel-Sysco Food Services as a manager most of his adult life. He loved Nascar, skydiving and the time he spent in Thailand during the 60s. On Earth, he watched his family in adoration and smiled. We like to think he's doing the same now from where he's at. We're still looking up to our hero.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 2 p.m. at the El Vado Motel Event Center, 2500 Central Avenue SW in Albuquerque.