Max M. Hayden

MAX M. HAYDEN

Max M. Hayden, a native Fresnan, Bulldog fan, giant of the Bar Association, and a veteran of WWII, was loved, revered, and highly respected by his family, friends, and business associates. Rarely at a loss for words, Max was long a favorite of his colleagues for his penetrating but good natured witticisms and observations on the state of the world. He rarely delved on the negative and instead sought ways to highlight the personal victories of those around him. He died on Monday, July 14, 2003, in Fresno, of heart failure at the age of 94. He attended Fresno High School, was elected to the school Senate, and graduated with honors as the Salutatorian in 1926. After finishing his first year at Stanford, he continued his undergraduate degree at Fresno State, majoring in english, history and economics. Max rounded out his college experience by joining the Sigma Tau Fraternity (now Sigma Chi) where he served as president. He was also the humor editor for the Campus, and the College Annual, and editor of the Caravan, the college literary magazine. Max Hayden entered Boalt Hall School of Law in Berkeley in 1932, graduated in 1935, and was admitted to the California Bar Association shortly thereafter. He joined with his father, U. Grant Hayden's law practice for one year and then accepted the position of Secretary to Congressman B.W. Gearhart from 1936 to 1941. After a successful term as Secretary, Max rejected an offer to continue his work under Congressman Gearhart, to instead return to Fresno to marry Geraldine Gillis and restart his own law practice. After one year of private law practice he enlisted in the U.S. Army during WWII. During his military service Max graduated as a 2nd Lieutenanrt from Officer Training School, was assigned to the 119th Infantry, 30th Division, and was appointed Criminal Prosecutor as the Trial Judge Advocate in the European theater. Max won 124 of the 125 cases he tried. He was later awarded the Bronze Star. Max Hayden returned to his general law practice in 1946 and continued until age 80 then he finished one of the State of California's longest bankruptcy cases, lasting four years past retirement. Towards the end of this case he was quoted as saying, "I don't want any cheese, I just want out of the trap". Max's community and professional affiliations were many. He was a past president of the Fresno County Bar Association, the Fresno Elks Lodge, The Academy, and the San Joaquin Country Club. He was also active in the Fresno State College Alumni Association, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Advisory Committee on Adoptions, and Chairman of the Lawyers Division. Having four boys, Hayden was active as Chief Old Crow in the Indian Guides and participated in Cub Scouts, YMCA, the Dolphin Swim Club, and was a past president of the Bullard High School PTA. Max Hayden's respect for higher education rubbed off on his sons as they all attended U.C.'s or California State Colleges. In the Hayden house, higher education was not an option but a sovereign duty. He loved the game of golf and joined the San Joaquin Country Club as a charter member. There was rarely a weekend when Max and his wife Geraldine weren't playing golf with their sons. As the club became a bastion for Hayden family entertainment, it was also a haven for the boys where they could frolic in the San Joaquin River and charge vanilla cokes to Dad's charge account. Max is survived by Geraldine, his wife of 62 years; four sons, Scott Hayden, Stuart Hayden, Doug Hayden, and Bob Hayden; and eight grandchildren Many thanks to the staff and bingo partners at the San Joaquin Gardens Health Center for their loving care and companionship. Remembrances may be made to One by One Leadership- The Karraker Center, 1727 "L" Street, Fresno, CA 93721, or to the donor's favorite charity. A Memorial Service for Max Hayden will be held in the Chapel at Northwest Church, on Thursday, July 24, 2003, at 2:30 p.m. CHAPEL OF THE LIGHTFuneral HomeFresno 233-6254