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David L. Hayden

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution announces with great sorrow the death of retiree David L. Hayden on November 20 of mesothelioma. He was 79.

Born in Rockland, Mass., on June 22, 1935, he was the son of the late Robert E. and Hermie (Morehouse) Hayden.  He was the husband of Deborah Shafer Hayden for 32 years. 

David was a marine engineer.  He served for 20 years in the U.S. Navy on various vessels including nuclear submarines.  Shortly after retiring from the Navy, he began a second career at WHOI in 1976.  David’s career at WHOI included one of the last cruises of the R/V Chain and several years as a junior engineer on the R/V Oceanus.   His service on the R/V Knorr included three years in Morgan City, Louisiana, during the ship’s midlife refit.   At the time of his retirement from WHOI in 1996, David was the Knorr’s chief engineer. 

David was an avid hiker, woodworker, and reader.  He loved the outdoors and enjoyed travelling to all parts of the United States.  Recently, he had begun assisting with the stewardship of one of Falmouth’s 300 Committee Land Trust properties in West Falmouth.

In addition to his wife, David leaves his son, Eric B. Hayden, of Falmouth.  He also leaves his siblings, Robert Hayden of New York, James Hayden of Wisconsin, William Hayden, Margaret (Peg) Hansen and Juanita Hayden all of Massachusetts, and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers donations in David’s memory may be made to the 300 Committee Land Trust or to a charity of one’s choice.