For over 17 years, Whidbey Island was Heavy’s’ home, retiring from 22 years in the Navy in 1976.

Aviation Machinist’s Mate Hayden passed on May 13, 2018 at his home in Long Beach, Wash., with his wife Mary, friends and neighbors at his side.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Mary Hayward Hayden; son Gregory Hayward Hayden (Patricia and their children Paige and Piper), of Frisco, Texas; son Steven Charles Hayden, San Diego, Calif.; daughter Cathleen Marie (Dan), Clayton, Calif.; brother Charles (Barbara) San Antonio, Texas; and sister Deborah, San Antonio, Texas.

After retiring from the Navy, George began a second career as a tech rep at USAA Financial Services for 20 years, retiring in Sacramento, Calif.

At 65, he decided to try a career as a hobby fisherman, moving to Long Beach, Wash., where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. He loved it.

He was a member of the Long Beach Elks, American Legion, Fleet Reserve Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Disabled American Veterans.

His burial will be at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas 9:45 a.m. June 20, 2018.