On Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, Fred Joel Hayden passed from earth to heaven. He died at home, in the presence of his wife, Fran, after having struggled with many health issues. It was where he wanted to be when he graduated to the next phase of his life.

Fred was born to James and Victoria Hayden on July 17, 1941 in San Diego, Calif., the first of five children. He is preceded in death by his parents and survived by his sisters, Linda and Ruth, and brothers, John and Paul.

On Feb. 9, 1963, Fred married Frances Lee Jenkins. They have three children, Lynn (Brian) Dillon, Robin Sveen and Catherine (Duane) Flikkema, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

In 1962, Fred enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served for 20 years, retiring as chief. During this time he was stationed in COMSTA Guam, Brindisi, Italy, Anchorage, Alaska and Adak in the Aleutian Islands. He also was schooled, and later instructed, at various military bases. After retiring from the USN, Fred taught at USN Great Lakes, and then became an instructor for Landis & Gyr, traveling weekly across the United States.

In the last 14 of his retirement years Fred was an employee of Walmart, able to answer anyone’s question, fill in in any department — even cutting fabric once — and where everyone was a friend. Fred had an inquisitive mind, always questioning, always learning, was quick with humor, and gentle. He is at home now, enjoying being the only child of his parents (till the rest of us arrive) and without pain or restriction.

A celebration of Fred’s life will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, at Family Bible Church, 2760 Heller Road, Oak Harbor.