Michael Richard Hayden, 60

Michael Richard Hayden, 60, died on Sunday, May 27, 2007, at Sidney Health Center. He was born on Nov. 6, 1946, to Richard and Kathryn (Noteboom) Hayden.

He attended East Fairview Elementary school and graduated from Fairview High School in 1964.

After graduation Mike served in the National Guard and went to boot camp for six months in Texas. When returning from a road trip to Oregon, he stopped in Columbia Falls to visit his sister, Deloris, and decided to stay in the Flathead.

He was employed by Plum Creek Plywood Mill.

Michael was united in marriage to Linda J. Holcomb in Kalispell on March 27, 1967. Two sons were born to Mike and Linda in Kalispell, Michael James (June 4, 1968) and Rickey Lynn (Jan. 18, 1974). Michael and Linda remained in Columbia Falls until 1976 when the family moved to Fairview.

Michael farmed with his father and later purchased a farm of his own. A daughter, Kerry Anne, was born in Williston, N.D., on Aug. 26, 1982. After selling his farm, Michael continued to live in Fairview and work throughout the valley for various farmers until forced to retire due to health reasons.

Michael married Rose Nay on Aug. 10, 2002, in Sharbono Park in Fairview.

Michael was an avid fisherman and hunter all his life. He loved spending time outdoors with family and friends.

Michael always enjoyed the Fourth of July, whether he was in the mountains camping, or in Fairview having a picnic in the front yard.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Michael is survived by his wife, Rose, of Fairview; and his children, Michael and Jennifer Hayden of Eureka, Rick and Lori Stinespring Hayden of Bigfork, and Kerry Anne and Josh Davis of Kalispell; stepchildren, Ryan Larkin of Fairview, and Jayme and Michael Bartelson of Sidney; siblings, Marlene and Darrell Spencer of Billings, Deloris and James Matson of Columbia Falls, Beverly and Larry Thompson of White Earth, N.D., Bonnie and Ed Schirmer of Atlanta, Dwayne and Becky Hayden of Salem, Ore., and Debbie and Luke Williams of Cheyenne, Wyo.; 10 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his dog, Shadow.

Cremation took place with Fulkerson Funeral Home in Sidney. Services were held May 31 at Fulkerson Memorial Chapel, officiated by Jerry Gartner, with music by Michael Bartelson.

Interment will be under the care of his children on Memorial Day 2008, beside his parents at Fairview Cemetery in Fairview.