Dr. Frank J. Hayden passed away on May 16, 2026, at the age of 96. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather as well as a sports scientist who founded and developed the Special Olympics. Frank’s wife Marion, who shared 67 years with him, passed before him. He is survived by his children Jamie (Lesley Thomson), Laura (Jim Thomson), Murn (Peter Meyrick), and Sean (Megan Shelstad); along with grandchildren Kelly (Brennan), Scott (Sydney), Danielle (Anthony), Lauren (Chase), Tyler, Luke, and Clayton; plus five great-grandchildren. His brother Dennis died before him. Born in Windsor, Ontario and raised in St. Catharines, Frank earned an Honours BA in Physical Education from the University of Western Ontario followed by Master of Science and Ph D degrees from the University of Illinois. He then had a long academic career at Toronto, Western and Mc Master universities.
Frank focused on how exercise and sport affect people with intellectual disabilities-both physically and mentally. Back in the 1960s his groundbreaking research challenged common ideas at the time and caught the eye of the Kennedy Foundation in Washington D. C., where he began what might be his greatest work: creating Special Olympics. Over time he helped spread Special Olympics worldwide with passion and dedication. His decades-long research and leadership proved that sports could truly change lives for those with intellectual disabilities. Today Special Olympics is the largest sports organization for this community globally – providing year-round training, activities, and competitions to over 5.7 million athletes across 204 countries.
His many awards include being inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2024, Canadian Sports Hall of Fame in 2016, receiving the Order of Canada twice (Officer in 1999 then Companion in 2022), Order of Ontario, plus five honorary Doctor of Law degrees. One honour close to his heart was having a high school named after him by Halton District School Board in 2013 – Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School became like a second home to him where students and staff felt like family.
Besides all his achievements around the world, Frank was devoted at home too – especially to Marion – teaching their kids about sport, friendly competition, travel adventures, and family values. The big family road trips packed into their station wagon together; mountain climbs; bridge games; afternoon runs; big family dinners-all these moments left fond memories everyone will cherish forever. Staff at Post Inn Village described Frank & Marion’s relationship as “the love story of a generation.” We’ve lost someone truly unique who’ll be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A celebration honoring both Frank’s and Marion’s lives will take place at Dr. Frank J Hayden Secondary School located at 3040 Tim Dobbie Drive Burlington ON L7M 0M3 on June 19th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm with a presentation scheduled for 3:00 pm exactly. The event will also be live streamed-look out for a link posted below.
If you’d prefer not to send flowers please consider donating instead to Special Olympics.
Arrangements have been made through SMITH’S FUNERAL HOME BURLINGTON – call them at 905-632-3333 or visit www. smithsfh. com
