Bernard MacDonell "Mac" Hayden

We are sad to share that our Dad, and Grandad, Mac Hayden passed away Friday, March 10, 2023, at the age of 90 years. Mac passed peacefully with family by his side. 

Christened Bernard MacDonell Hayden on September 8, 1932, but he was always known as Mac. Mac had been living at Revera Scenic Acres Retirement Residence for the past two years, where he made many friends. His brother Don, who also passed recently lived at the same residence.  Mac and Don were both Fourth Degrees of the Knights of Columbus.

Mac was born in McLennan, AB, and grew up in High Prairie AB. After working in various parts of eastern Canada, then Egypt, with the UN, and starting a family in France with the RCAF, Mac moved back to Alberta, living with family in Medley from 1965 to 1970, Sherwood Park from 1970 to 2002, and Calgary from 2002 to 2023.  In 1961, Mac married Ruth O’Sullivan (passed away in 2013), a teacher (and later professor) from Ireland, and had three children Kieran (passed away in 1987), Damian (Jeanne and children Colm, and Senan), and Alix (Marcus, and children Mairin, Claire, and Jake).

Mac had three careers, working until he was 78.  He was a UN soldier in Egypt, an aircraft radio tech in the RCAF, a real estate salesman, and in his third endeavor, a petroleum landman.  As a real people person, Mac especially loved his 15-year career as a land agent. Mac joined the Air Force because of his interest in aviation.  He was a glider pilot and loved airplanes.  As he traveled to dozens of countries all around the world, Mac documented the details of hundreds of aircraft and flights, and every single plane he ever flew.  Mac’s other favorite things and pastimes included his family and friends, curling, hunting, and fishing with his brothers and friends, his garden, and his cat Boo, and dog Spar. 

Mac will be remembered for his patient, positive, and giving nature and for his love for friends and family. He will be missed greatly by all who ever knew him. 

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Luke’s Catholic Church (1566 Northmount Dr, NW, Calgary) on Monday, May 29, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, Mac's family would be very honored with any donations in honor of both he and his son Kieran, which may be made to the Kieran Hayden Memorial Mechanical Engineering Award Fund at the University of Alberta, in Mac’s name at uabgive.ca/tribute, or to the Office of the Recording Secretary (3-600, 10230 Jasper Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T5J 4P6).

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