Dr. Frank J. Hayden, May 16, 2026. With heavy hearts, we share the news of the passing of Dr. Frank J. Hayden at the age of 96. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, as well as a sports scientist who founded Special Olympics. Frank was preceded in death by his beloved wife and partner of 67 years, Marion. He is survived by his children Jamie (Lesley Thomson), Laura (Jim Thomson), Murn (Peter Meyrick), and Sean (Megan Shelstad); along with his grandchildren Kelly (Brennan), Scott (Sydney), Danielle (Anthony), Lauren (Chase), Tyler, Luke, and Clayton; plus five great-grandchildren. He was also predeceased by his brother Dennis. Born in Windsor, Ontario, Frank grew up in St. Catharines and earned an Honours BA degree in Physical Education from the University Western Ontario before obtaining his Master of Science and Ph D degrees from the University of Illinois. He then had a long and distinguished academic career at the Universities of Toronto, Western, and Mc Master.
Frank focused on exercise physiology and psychology for people with intellectual disabilities. His groundbreaking work in the 1960s challenged conventional views at the time and caught the attention of the Kennedy Foundation in Washington, D. C., where he started what would become one of his most significant achievements: founding Special Olympics. Over many years filled with passion, Frank established Special Olympics around the globe. His lifelong research and advocacy demonstrated how sports could change lives for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Today, Special Olympics stands as the world’s largest sports organization for these athletes, providing year-round training and competition to over 5.7 million participants across 204 countries.
Frank’s remarkable contributions have earned him numerous accolades including induction into Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2024, membership in the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame in 2016, recognition as an Officer of Canada in 1999 followed by promotion to Companion in 2022, receipt of the Order of Ontario award, and five Honorary Doctorate degrees in Law. One accolade he held dear was when Halton District School Board named a high school after him-Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School-in 2013; it became like a second home for him while its students and staff felt like family.
Besides all his achievements on an international scale, at home he devoted himself to Marion while instilling a love for sports, healthy competition, travel adventures with family among their children and grandchildren alike. The unforgettable family road trips packed into their station wagon or climbing mountains together alongside bridge games during afternoons or enjoying big family dinners will always be treasured memories! Staff members at Post Inn Village aptly described their relationship as “the love story of a generation.” We’ve lost someone truly special who will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.
A celebration honoring both Frank’s life alongside Marion will take place at Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School located at 3040 Tim Dobbie Drive Burlington ON L7M O M3 on June19th from2:00-4:00pm including presentation starting at3:00pm. The event will also be live-streamed-a link will be shared below.
If you wish to honor them further please consider donating toward Special Olympics.
Arrangements entrusted to SMITH’S FUNERAL HOME BURLINGTON905-632-3333 www. smithsfh. com
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