Rodney Earl Hayden Jr.
July 05, 1931 - September 11, 2024
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Rodney Earl Hayden Jr.
July 05, 1931 - September 11, 2024
Obituary
Rodney E. Hayden Jr. – July 5, 1931 – September 11, 2024
Rodney E. Hayden Jr. passed away on September 11, 2024, at the age of 93, surrounded by his loved ones at his family home in San Juan Capistrano, CA, where he and his wife had enjoyed living for the past 34 years. True to the spirit with which he pursued life’s ambitions, Rod fought several medical challenges with determination until the very end.
Rod graduated from Savanna High School in Illinois, where he excelled in football, basketball, and track. In 1951, he married his sweetheart, Joan Briggs. Shortly after, he was called to duty and proudly served in Korea, attaining the rank of master sergeant. Upon his return in 1953, Rod and Joan began raising their family as he embarked on a 40-year career in the auto industry. Starting as a sales associate at the American Motors dealership in Savanna, Rod quickly rose through the ranks. In 1959 he assumed the first of several managerial positions with Chrysler Corporation in Milwaukee, Chicago and Orlando. In 1972 he became the Sales Manager of Mazda Motors of America, Central Division, in Chicago. In 1978, Rod played a key role in reorganizing and relocating Mazda’s base of operations to California, ultimately becoming Senior Vice President and General Manager until his retirement in 1989. Not one to rest on his laurels, Rod returned to the industry he loved, serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Hyundai Motors until his second retirement in 1993.
Rod’s legacy extends well beyond his professional achievements. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Joan; his children, Rick (Carol), Mark, Teri, Scot (Janine), and Lisa Hayden; 8 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry forward his spirit. Rod was preceded in death by his parents and three half-siblings.
An avid golfer, Rod loved playing the game with family and friends and instilling a love for the game to many grandkids. He was a founding member and president of the Marbella Country Club for several years. Rod also enjoyed crafting custom golf clubs for friends and family who appreciated his handiwork and perfection. His memory lives on in our hearts, and he will be sorely missed.
Please join us in celebrating his life on Friday, November 1, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Marbella Country Club, 30800 Golf Club Drive, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675.
R.S.V.P. requested at the following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090D4CA9A829A7FE3-51663389-rodhaydens/173800150#/
Celebration Of Life
- Date & Time: November 1, 2024 (11:00 AM - 3:00 PM)
- Venue: Marbella Country Club
- Location: 30800 Golf Club Drive San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 - (Get Directions)