Ralph Hayden - a dedicated Rotarian

Born in 1938, Ralph started his career as a compositor on the Financial Times, after which he became a driving instructor and ran a motor spares shop with a sideline in converting petrol engines to run on LPG. He later became a coach driver and gained his own operator’s license after which he ran many coach tours all over the Home Counties.

Firstly a member of Wickford Round Table, Ralph continued his involvement in Service above Self in 1985 when he became a member of the Rotary Club of Wickford.

Serving in many roles in the Club including 3 years as Club Secretary from 1988, he first held the post of President in 1992, and followed this up with two more years in the office, in 2006 and again in 2016. He achieved a Paul Harris Fellowship award in 1998. In the meantime serving in various roles in Rotary District 1240 (Essex, East London and East Hertfordshire) including as District Governor in 2000.  

While not enjoying the best of health most recently Ralph continued to support the Club in its activities over many years, doing whatever he could including generating our annual year book and getting involved in our various Charity collections and so on, and as recently as a few weeks ago was intending to help with Santa’s Sleigh as a tow car driver before a short illness prevented him.

Our sympathies go to his wife Jean, his two children Graham and Sally and their families, and his step children Nicky and  Kevin.

Ralph will be sadly missed.

One of Ralph's passions was fundraising for charity through the Rotary Club, and this is his last hurrah. It is the family’s wish that instead of sending flowers, a fitting tribute would be donations made in his name. If you wish to make a donation in memory of Ralph you can do so by following this link