MONTPELIER — William (Bill) Bernard Hayden, a longtime resident of Pearl Street, passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the home of his daughter in Bethel.

Born in Bennington, Vermont, on December 23, 1942, Bill was the first of six children born to Harry and Nellie (Robertson) Hayden. He attended grammar school in Sunderland, Vermont, and graduated from Arlington High School in 1960. Bill then attended the University of Vermont, graduating in 1964.

Bill joined the Army National Guard after graduating from college, attending basic training at Fort Dix New Jersey and advanced individual training at Fort Leonard Wood Missouri. During his 28 years in the National Guard, Bill served with the engineers, armor, and military intelligence.

Bill began his professional career as a right-of-way agent for the Vermont Highway Department; he then moved to the position of staff appraiser. In March 1969, Bill left working for the state and became chief lister (tax assessor) and zoning administrator for the City of Montpelier. After serving in the position of chief lister, he became city manager for the City of Montpelier, serving from October 1978 to April 1982. Bill then returned to employment with the State of Vermont, serving in the Division of Property Valuation and Review, and holding the positions of district advisor, chief of operations, administrative director of the tax department, and director of property valuation and review. He then went on to become director of taxpayer services, the position from which he retired. He served on the Montpelier City Council as the president of the city council and as an alderman from District One.

Bill loved to fish in the spring and hunt in the fall. He also enjoyed selling, mending, and playing violins and camping at Stillwater Park in Groton State Forest. In his spare time, Bill also enjoyed cross-country skiing, bicycling, and cribbage.

In July 1968, Bill married Dorothy Purda, who survives him. He is also survived by his four children: Alanna Hayden of Montpelier, Alison (Joe) Hayden Viets of Bethel, Daniel Hayden of St. Johnsbury, and Gregory Hayden of Montpelier. He also leaves his three brothers, John (Karleen) Hayden of East Greenbush, New York, Jim (Avis) Hayden of Sunderland, Vermont, and Michael (Alison) Hayden of Amherst, New Hampshire, as well as his nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, and one great-great-nephew. He also leaves a sister and brother-in-law, Elizabeth and Mark Richards, and his brother and sister-in-law, Walter and Mary-Ann Purda.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, his uncle, his cousin, and his sisters Mary Elizabeth Van Alstine and Kathy Hayden.

The family wishes to thank hospice nurses Gracia and Hailey for the wonderful care they provided Bill in his last months.

A Mass of Christian Burial to honor and celebrate Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 12:00p.m. in St. Augustine Catholic Church on Barre Street in Montpelier. Interment will follow in the Green Mountain Cemetery. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Central Vermont Humane Society, 1589 Vermont Route 14 South, East Montpelier, VT 05651-9736.