Douglas Joseph Hayden

Douglas Hayden was born on May 17, 1949 at home near Spy Hill, SK to Paul and Josephine Hayden (nee Pritchard).

Doug grew up on a farm near Spy Hill with his parents and siblings and was the third oldest in a family of ten children (two siblings died in infancy).  

Living on the farm instilled in Doug a lifelong love of nature. His brother, Armand, recounted that Doug’s job was to haul water from the well. He was amazed by Doug’s strength as he could carry two five-gallon pails full of water for about ¼ of a mile! 

Douglas attended Hamona Country School near Spy Hill. After leaving school at around the age of 16, Doug worked at odd jobs in the communities of Moosomin, Moose Jaw, and Spy Hill, including working on the railway from Spy Hill to Watrous for a few years. Douglas then began working underground at Rocanville Mine (now Nutrien Rocanville Potash). He continued in this role until he was seriously injured in a mining accident in 1981. He was rushed to Regina for treatment. While he recovered mobility after months and months of rehab, Doug lived with ongoing pain throughout the remainder of his life. He was subsequently moved to a surface position at work. Douglas helped his brother, Armand, obtain a job at the mine when he was just 18. One of our proudest moments for both was when they got to work there together. 

Douglas had a wonderful sense of humour, enjoyed good natured teasing and spending time with family. He never missed calling his siblings to wish them a happy birthday or to pass along greetings during the holidays. Time shared visiting over soup and bannock or enjoying rice pudding are special memories for many family members. Douglas was also very generous often covering the cost of meals out together or travel costs of family visiting from far away.  

Douglas and Marie met through Joyce, a cousin of Doug’s. Within a week of meeting, they began dating and were together for 33 years, 14 of those as a married couple. At the time of their meeting, Marie had a daughter, Rachel, and a baby on the way. When Marie’s son, Cory, was born, Doug immediately took Cory on as his own son. Over the years, they enjoyed so many activities and adventures. Douglas loved cars, enjoyed going to car shows with Marie and her children, and was very proud of the shiny new vehicles he owned throughout his life. Together they went on numerous weekend road trips throughout the countryside in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, stopping to see the sights and enjoy a great meal.  

Douglas also loved spending time outdoors and in 1997 he bought a cabin at Good Spirit Lake where they all enjoyed swimming, biking, walking, bird watching, family gatherings, and much more. They also enjoyed assisting Marie’s father, Russell Griffith, at craft shows in Yorkton and various communities throughout Saskatchewan.  

A few years later, Doug left Spy Hill and purchased a home in Yorkton, where the family spent many enjoyable family gatherings.  

On July 4, 2010, Douglas and Marie were married. They continued to enjoy their family life and made numerous road trips to visit family in Rocanville, Saskatoon, and Melville.  

In 2015, Douglas was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. Doug continued to live at home very contentedly for several years. As his illness progressed, Marie continued to care for Doug until the doctor determined that Doug required long-term care. It was at that time, approximately four years ago, that Douglas was moved to Lakeside Manor Care Home in Saltcoats, where he received excellent care. Marie, Rachel, and Cory visited often along with other family members, which Douglas always enjoyed. Douglas died peacefully at Lakeside Manor Care Home on September 29, 2024 at the age of 75 years from pneumonia.  

Douglas was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Josephine Hayden, brothers Leonard, Phillip (Alma), Paul and Tommy (in infancy) as well as a sister, Hazel (in infancy).  

Douglas was a great Dad to Cory and Rachel, and he was the love of Marie’s life – now and forever!  

Douglas is survived by and leaves to mourn his passing his wife, Marie Hayden & children Rachel Kleebaum & Cory Griffith; brothers Armand (Shirley) Hayden and sisters Mabel (Rick) Haynes, Della (Elmer) Hayden & Josephine Hayden (Wilfred). He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Dorothy Griffith (Bob Stubbins), Debbie Griffith (Gerald Langner), Colleen (Scott) Hoffort & Sharon (Grant) Michalishen along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members and friends.  

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