Our beloved Pop, Edward Franklin Hayden, passed away peacefully on May 6th, 2024, at the age of 82.

Ed was born at the Nevada City Sanitarium on September 13th, 1941. He resided in Grass Valley until 1947. His family then moved to Sacramento, where he attended elementary school. After later settling in Rio Linda, he attended Grant Union High School and ultimately graduated from Highlands High School in 1959.

Later in 1959, Ed’s life was forever changed when he met the love of his life, Judy May Black, in Rackerby, California. Their love story was one of enduring devotion, spanning 62 beautiful years. Together, they built their lives in Rio Linda and North Highlands before returning to Nevada County, the place Ed always called home and where they raised their five children. The family lived on Dog Bar Road in La Barr Meadows for many years.

A logger by trade, Ed’s passion for his work was evident in the stories he shared of his days driving logging trucks and working in the woods. His career led him to various local mills and logging companies, including Bohemia and Brunswick Mills, as well as many different logging companies such as Robinson Timber. He was a volunteer fireman at Bullion Fire Department in Grass Valley. These were some of his happiest days, where he developed fond lifetime memories of the time spent with his fellow volunteers. He loved to tell stories of the work they did for the community and their shenanigans over the years.

Ed was a member of St. Canice Church in Nevada City for many years, where found solace in his faith and cherished moments spent with his beloved Judy. Their shared love for fitness led them to local gyms and cycling adventures. They loved their trips to the ocean, Monterey and Fort Bragg being their favorites. Ed’s passion for live music often saw him enjoying performances by local musicians. In his early years, he loved attending the Bluegrass Festivals and could occasionally be seen joining Dakota Sid and other bands onstage at Duffy’s Success in Nevada City.

Above all, Ed’s greatest joy was his family. Whether gathered on the patio sharing stories over burgers and beers, or at family events, his love for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren knew no bounds.

Ed was preceded in death by his beloved Judy in 2021, as well as his mother, Alice Mae Huse.

He leaves behind his daughter Pamela Hayden (Russell), sons Chris, Scott and Pat Hayden, and Mark (Lundell), as well as 13 grandchildren; Alex Marcucci, Colton Duncan, Mikhaila Duncan (Mathiesen), Todd Hayden, Nikki (Newell), McKenna Hayden, Keisen Hayden, Corey Hayden, Haley (Meyer), Travis Landsburg, Amanda (Richards), Angela (Martin), and Nathan Hayden. He also has 16 great-grandchildren.

Our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the loving staff at Crystal Ridge Care Center in Grass Valley for their kindness, compassion, and dedicated care of our dear Pop. Your unwavering love for him up until the end will never be forgotten.

Though our hearts ache with his loss, we find comfort in knowing that Ed is now reunited with his beloved Judy, embarking on their eternal journey together.

A celebration of life honoring both Ed and Judy will be held on July 20th from 11a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Western Gateway Park in Penn Valley, where their legacy of love and laughter will be celebrated.