HAYDEN, Dr. Frank Hayden

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing at age 96 of Dr. Frank J. Hayden, beloved husband, father and grandfather, sports scientist, creator and developer of Special Olympics. Frank was predeceased by his dearly cherished wife and devoted partner of 67 years, Marion. He leaves behind his children Jamie (Lesley Thomson), Laura (Jim Thomson); Murn (Peter Meyrick) and Sean (Megan Shelstad); together with his grandchildren Kelly (Brennan); Scott (Sydney); Danielle (Anthony); Lauren (Chase), Tyler, Luke and Clayton; and 5 great-grandchildren. Frank was predeceased by his brother, Dennis. Frank was born in Windsor, Ontario and grew up in St. Catharines. He completed an Honours BA degree in Physical Education from the University Western Ontario, and Master of Science and PhD. degrees from the University of Illinois and then went on to a long and distinguished academic career at the Universities of Toronto, Western and McMaster.

Frank’s area of interest was the physiology and psychology of exercise and sport for persons with an intellectual disability. His ground-breaking research and work in the 1960s challenged the prevailing mindset of the day and brought him to the attention of the Kennedy Foundation in Washington, D.C. It was there that Frank began perhaps his most significant accomplishment, the creation and development of Special Olympics. Over the years, with great enthusiasm, Frank went on to establish Special Olympics throughout the world. Frank’s incredible life-long research, devotion, leadership and advocacy showed that sport could have a transformative effect on the lives of those with an intellectual disability. Special Olympics is now the world’s largest sports organization for those with intellectual disabilities providing year-round training, activities and competition to over 5.7 million athletes in 204 countries.

Frank’s accomplishments have led to many awards including induction into Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2024, the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame in 2016, the Order of Canada (Officer in 1999, promotion to Companion in 2022), Order of Ontario, and 5 Honorary Doctor of Law Degrees. One of his favourite recognitions was the naming in 2013 by the Halton District School Board of a high school, Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School. Hayden High became Frank’s second home, and its students and staff his second family.

In addition to Frank’s accomplishments around the world, at home he was devoted to Marion and instilled a love of sport, friendly competition, travel and family to his children and grandchildren. The epic family road trips in the station wagon, mountain climbs, bridge tournaments, afternoon runs and large family dinners will always hold wonderful memories. His and Marion’s relationship was best described by the wonderful and caring staff at Post Inn Village as “the love story of a generation”. We have lost one of a kind, and he will be truly missed by all who knew him.

A celebration of both Frank and Marion’s lives will be held at Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School, 3040 Tim Dobbie Drive, Burlington, ON L7M 0M3, on June 19, 2026 from 2:00-4:00pm which will include a presentation at 3:00. The Celebration will be live streamed – a link will be posted below.

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