William Vassall Hayden III passed away at his home in Madison, NH, in the early morning hours of July 30th. His devoted wife, Iona, was by his side, and his daughter, Stephanie, and son, Erik, were also with him in his final hours.

Born on March 22, 1938, in Enfield, New Hampshire, Bill was the son of William V. Hayden Jr. and Ruth Slater Hayden (née Johnson). He had two siblings, Judith and John Hayden. Growing up in Swampscott, MA, he built friendships that would remain important throughout his life.

Bill graduated from Swampscott High School with the Class of 1957, where he was a proud member of the Big Blue football team. After high school, Bill deployed on a submarine as a Naval Reservist. He often spoke of his travels and was proud of his service to his country. Following his years of service, he earned his degree from Wentworth Institute of Technology, laying the foundation for a career in fabrication and precision metalwork. Combining his technical expertise with determination and vision, Bill founded North American Mechanical in Salem, Massachusetts.

Outside of work, Bill embraced life with enthusiasm. An avid outdoorsman, he found joy and excitement in kayaking, embarking on countless sea and river adventures. He enjoyed hunting, shooting, and camping, always eager for the next trip. Bill was an enthusiastic storyteller whose humor and unforgettable tales brought laughter to family gatherings and evenings with friends. Bill also had a passion for great food and travel. Among his favorite destinations were the vibrant culture and cuisine of New Orleans and the beautiful vineyards of California's wine country, places he loved to visit and revisit throughout his life. Trips to California and, eventually, New Mexico were all the more special because they included adventures with his sister, Judith Butterman (née Hayden), and her children and grandchildren.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Iona Hayden; his children, Stephanie Howard of Peabody, MA, Kimberley Hayden of Salem, MA, Erik Hayden and his wife Nili of Fairfield, CT; and his cherished grandchildren, Jake & Taylor Howard, and Ever and Tennyson Hayden. He took immense pride in his family. Bill will be remembered for his adventurous heart, his love of good food, and the countless stories that will continue to be shared in his honor. His humor and love for his friends and family leave a lasting legacy that will live on in all who knew and loved him.

A celebration of his life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, September 12th at The Madison Church, 53 Conway Rd, Madison, NH.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Visiting Nurse Home Care and Hospice of Carroll County and Western Maine, P.O. Box 432, North Conway, NH 03860, or The Gibson Center for Senior Services, PO Box 655, North Conway, NH 03860, in memory of William V. Hayden III.