If he was the Dr in Big Creek in 1977, then he most certainly will have remembered me.  Falling off the high diving board and smashing into the cement face first. I was too critical for him, but he saw me initially and sent me off to Fresno.   I recall the office visit quite vividly, but not the Dr name. Poor 2nd grader who had just gotten her permanent front teeth and promptly lost some.  Last name Meinel at the time.  Thank you for your care.

Saying goodbye to amazing people in our lives is never an easy thing to do...my life was saved by Dr. Hayden many times...falling out of treehouses,off the wall at the school,eating dads pills that I thought were candy...I knew the office well by kindergarten .. My parents said if doc couldn't fix it I was a goner...loved that soul.  I'm sure him and my dad, Paul Riggs , are up there sharing old stories.. God bless you all and thank you for being in Big Creek through all our lives. Sincerely Denise Riggs..

Prayers out to the Hayden Family!
  All I can say is it's a good thing I was allowed to grow up next door and across the street from the Doc's office and to this wonderful human being as my youth required many "visits" for various youthful shall we say adventures with unfortunate results!
  Thanks Doc!, Barbara and Sheri, for keeping me together the best you could!

I, too, want to offer my condolences to the Hayden family. I was saddened to hear of Doctor Hayden's passing. 

Thinking back, he likely had a hand in inspiring me to enter the medical field. I remember his calm, quiet demeanor during times of treatment. 

He was there to pump my stomach after I ingested a few too many baby aspirin at the age of three. (Yes, I really do remember this event.) He burned warts off various places on my body. My dad said Doc finally instructed him to wait outside, because he was tired of picking him up off the floor. (My dad passed out.) He checked me over after I did a face plant on the asphalt near the Administration Office. I was standing on the back platform of my tricycle, soaring downhill, when my tricycle tires got stuck in the storm drain. I became air born. My face was one big scab for a long time. Pink eye, ear infections, chicken pox...Doctor Hayden knew what to do. 

I am glad my life intersected with Doctor Hayden's life. I don't believe in chance encounters. 

May God hold all of you close to Him. May He provide comfort and peace. May you find joy in your memories and in the memories shared by others.

Lovingly, Ronda (Avants) Moock

Sending my warmest thoughts and prayers to the Hayden family. So many fond memories of Doc Hayden. Always took such good care of us. I can't remember all of the visits over the years, but one I'll never forget was the time mom brought me in (from Shaver) with a cold and ear infections only the trip down ruptured both ears. As Doc Hayden patted my back he said "that isn't good. Lol. Yes, he was a wonderful man. I'm better for knowing him.

Like so many others, growing up in Big Creek, came with have Dr. Hayden as my only doctor.  He was always very nice and gentle, I don't remember ever feeling fear, knowing I was going to see the doctor.

My deepest sympathy to his wonderful family.  Your father and husband was a great man.

Judy Carlblom (Swan) Fresno

I'm so sorry for your loss.  Doc Hayden set my only broken bone in my life (knock wood). Very gentle and understanding of this young girl and the horrible pain in my arm.  He was an excellent doctor and will be missed.

So many great memories of Big  Creek, Doc,Barb and all the Hayden's. What wonderful times we had! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Much Love, 
Kathy Hudson

Rob and Family,  I am so saddened to hear about Dr. Hayden's passing.  I really loved getting to know him on our many trips to Big Creek and Shaver Lake when you and I would find a break from studies at Berkeley.  He has always been a partner to fond memories for me and I love that they are mine to keep.  I am so glad we talked at Christmas and send my love to you and your family during this difficult time.  I have learned many things since college........one thing I know, we will never be perfect in this life, our Heavenly Father loves each of us regardless of that fact, and will direct us for good, if we will listen......finally, he wants us to return to be with him when our journey is complete here in mortality.  Your Dad was one of those quiet inspirational guys that few of us meet in this mortal journey.  Thanks so much for sharing him with me over these years.  Keep in touch, my friend.  Kevin

To the entire Hayden family:    Our families have been so intertwined for the last 40 years that I must send a message from all the Saude Family.  We owe so much to Dr. Hayden.  I still tell  the story of how he inoculated my kids, how Heidi became such a close friend, how Rob became a teacher and mentor to India as she became a teacher. The extended Hayden family are neighbors and friends.  We extend our condolences to all of you.

I came to Shaver Lake about the time Dr. Hayden came to Big Creek. He was our family doctor until he retired. All really missed him when he retired. A wonderful doctor. Oh, he made house calls,too! Prayers to the Hayden family.

Doc fixed me, with great skill, several times, and told me I needed no fixing, with humor, many more. A great doctor and wonderful man.

Doc Hayden was my main doctor in childhood. I have many fond memories of he and his family. My prayers go out to all the family.

Thoughts and prayers go out to the Hayden Family at the loss of Doc Hayden. I have wonderful memories of the care given by Dr. and Mrs. Hayden until we moved from Big Creek in 1971.

Remember him well up in Big Creek in the 80's...wonderful and kind man...

" Doc put me back together many times in my youth. I'm very grateful for his care. Sue and I were glad to see him at the ranch recently."
Love all the Hayden's, Doc will be missed.
-Dallas Fink. Big Creek Boy /Manteca resident.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Hayden family.  Please know that Dr. Hayden was loved so very much by the Big Creek and Shaver Lake communities. I will never forget this man! He gave so much to his community! He was a good 'ol family doctor who practiced patience, common sense and love. He gave us all our childhood shots with care and clever distraction tricks. He led our families through all the normal childhood growing spurts and gave insightful advice over the phone. He took care of everything from bumps and broken bones to mumps and measles. He didn't just give stitches where they were needed. He gave us confidence that we would heal and we all trusted and loved him.  And we are all blessed to have known him.  I hope you find comfort in the knowledge that he is remembered so fondly. May God bless you all at this difficult time.

I loved having Doc Hayden as our family doctor for so many years!  He was the best!  I will never forget him!

May the memories of Doctor Hayden help you find peace. The Sierras are such a magical place.

Dr. Hayden was my first doctor and the one to which I have compared all others. One of my first memories is of Dr. Hayden. It has been a great pleasure to know such a wonderful man and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Condolences to all Hayden family, we all loved our beloved Medicine Man. Thank you for all inspiration and medical support. David Cheney and Family

Mrs Hayden and family,
I remember fondly my involvement and friendship with you all during the 60's in Big Creek. So many really neat memories. A very neat guy and my 1st doctor. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sincerely, Dennis Swan

It is our loss to not have known Dr. Hayden longer, but we are blessed to have his dear wife as our next door neighbor.  She is a love.  If God is willing --  we will have her happy nature and smiling face as our friend for a long time.
Our sympathy, to all the family.
Olen Chamberlain/Juanita Schlette

OBITUARY

William Bruce Hayden MD

25 October, 1921 – 7 January, 2015

Boice Funeral Home

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