Robert Earl Hayden

Robert Earl Hayden, 90, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. He was born on August 16, 1928 to parents Harold and Mae Hayden; one of two boys. He graduated from Roosevelt High School and soon after joined the Portland Fire Department in 1952. For 35 years he served in many roles, rising through the ranks to become a Battalion Chief at Engine 9, and finally retiring as the Fire Marshall Divisional Chief in 1987. In 1967 he was awarded the Bronze Medal for his courage and heroism in saving a life, and in 1975 he was named Fireman of the Year. Known fondly as “Chief” to all those he served with, he was incredibly dedicated to the firefighters under his command, always putting them first and setting the example for what a leader should be through hard work and commitment.

Bob married Betty Ann in 1952, and they shared 58 years together until Betty’s passing in 2010. Throughout their lives Bob loved and provided for Betty fully, devoted to making their lives together filled with love and care. He was generous and supportive to all people in his life, always ready to lend a hand. Bob was never judgmental, but willing to let his sons make their own choices with his full encouragement backing them up. Bob was a strong but soft hearted man, with a witty sense of humor and distinctive laugh. He was also a skilled craftsman, building his home with the help of other firefighters in 1959. He loved to hunt, fish, and watch baseball, and was a lifelong Winterhawks fan, holding season tickets for 16 years, and watching every game he could.

Throughout his life, he served as a tremendous role model for his family and friends. He is loved and missed by his sons Jeff, Glenn, and David; daughters in law Jennifer and Tracy; and grandsons Garrett and Owen.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Saturday April 27th, 2019 at 11:30am at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, followed immediately by his internment at Lincoln Memorial Gardens. Friends are welcomed and encouraged to attend and share memories together.