Michael Hayden

James Michael Hayden was born in Akron Ohio June 4, 1934 to Paul Hayden and Clare Yahner. He was educated in the U.S. and France. After five years teaching at the University of Detroit Michael came to Saskatoon in 1966 with his young family. He taught European history at the University of Saskatchewan, specializing in early modern French social, intellectual and religious history, until his retirement in 2001. He died in Saskatoon on October 6, 2026.

Michael Hayden was a kind and loving husband, father and grandfather and enjoyed rich friendships and family connections throughout his life; his compassion, creativity and understated humour will long be remembered. He was predeceased by his first wife Joan Harwell in 2002. He married Dolores Giop Gradish in 2004. She died in 2019. He is survived by sons Mike (Maureen Mayhew) and Tom (Erika Check; Seamus and Nora), and daughter Aileen (Jason Su; Juni).

Michael was one of four founders of the Saskatoon Food Bank and served on its board, as well as the boards of Friendship Inn and Interval House and was active with Gateway Players. He served on many university committees and as chair of the University Budget Committee, treasurer and vice chair of the Faculty Association and head of the History Department. In retirement he was active on the executive of the U of S Retirees Association.

Professor Hayden pioneered the teaching of classes via live interactive television across the province from 1987 through 1991 and received the U of S Master Teacher Award in 2000. He was the author or co-author of 13 books, six of them completed in retirement. Two were nominated for Saskatchewan Book Awards and one was named “the most original and distinguished contribution” to the history of the Catholic Church published in 2005. He also wrote many scholarly articles and commentaries on local and university affairs. His final book, a history of the Congregation of St. Basil (the Basilians) written with Fr. Ron Griffin, CSB, was officially launched at St. Thomas More College on the Sunday before his death.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Thomas More College Chapel on the U of S campus on October 24th at 11am. In lieu of flowers, his family invites donations to Friendship Inn, the Saskatoon Food Bank, or the Hospice at Glengarda.

To share memories and condolences, please visit www.saskatoonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements entrusted to Saskatoon Funeral Home, 306-244-5577.