Obituary of Garey Hayden

Garey Hayden passed away unexpectedly on February 5, 2015. He was born on September 9, 1944 in Easton, Maryland to Thomas and Mary Hayden. His family moved to Tucson when he was four years old and he lived in Tucson most of his life. Growing up, Garey was involved in both sports and 4H club where he won numerous awards and honors in both. He attended Catalina High School and then the University of Arizona. While attending the University of Arizona he became a letter winner in wrestling as a freshman. He was a Wildcat through and through. While in Tucson, he owned a tropical fish store, a travel agency called Worldlwide Travel and a computer store called Computers Plus. In 1976 he married the love of his life, Cookie Good. He instantly became a stepfather. In 1966, while attending the U of A, he picked up the game of bridge, which became his passion and profession throughout the rest of his life. His bridge career is full of many outstanding accomplishments. His greatest tournament was his last Nationals in Providence, RI last November where he won over 300 master points, the number thousands of people try to make in their lifetime to achieve the ranking of Life Master. He ranked 8th in all time master points with over 47,000. (Not bad for a man who was told by his new wife that he was going to have to stay home and be a father now that he was married. Bridge then took a back seat for many years.) Recently, he was on a team representing the USA in Bali and won the gold medal, his fifth senior world championship, which is more than anyone else in Bridge history. Garey was a great player and remarkable teacher. Although very competitive and successful, he never forgot about those in need. He had a heart for those less fortunate and was a very giving man. His love for Christ was evident in everything he did. When asked one time if he could invite any three people, past or present, to dinner, who would they be, he responded, "Jesus Christ, Abe Lincoln and Roger Barrier, his preacher. Garey is survived by his sister Mary Howard Congdon and her husband, Malcolm; his wife Cookie Hayden; his stepchildren Scot Johnson and his wife, Susie and Tiffany Steinmetz and her husband Greg; and five grandchildren, McKenna Johnson, Cassidy Johnson, Avery Johnson, Teagan Steinmetz and Tanner Steinmetz. Garey will be deeply missed by both family and friends including the entire bridge world. Donations are encouraged in Garey's memory to "Answers for Life Pregnancy Center" 672 N. Swan Rd. Tucson, AZ 85711 or www.afltucson.com or by calling 520-308-8990. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 12th 2015 at 2:00 PM at Casa Church 10801 N. La Cholla Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85742.