Forrest Ashley Hayden Sr. began his journey home at sundown on November 23, 2024, surrounded by his children, grandchildren and loved ones at Providence Hospital.

Forrest was the youngest son, born to Richard Pete Hayden and Eleanor Quinn on July 31, 1967. Forrest was a proud full blooded Native American warrior of Hoopa, Yurok and Karuk decent and an enrolled member of the Hoopa Valley Tribe. He was born at Mad River Hospital, raised in Trinidad, and spent most of his teenage/adult years in Eureka.

If you ever took a ride with him around town you might’ve heard him fondly point out a sidewalk or parking lot he had a hand in building, as he was a concrete worker. Aside from his children being some of his proudest achievements, he might’ve mentioned skydiving a time or two … or countless times. He was known for his enthusiastic tellings of his life stories, and was a very avid believer in Bigfoot. He was strong in his beliefs and if he had his mind set there was no one that could make him think otherwise. He loved spending time at the river with his family and loved ones, going fishing, visiting Kenick, attending the brush dances and festivals.

Anyone lucky enough to have met Forrest knows he had an endearing energy under his seemingly stoic and rough exterior that you couldn’t help but fall in love with. He could make anyone smile with his wide toothy grin or his little snicker after cracking a joke. He took great pride in his long black hair and was often known for this attribute. With all this being said, a few may tell you he was also quite the ladies man.

Forrest was a beloved son, brother, father, uncle and friend. He is survived by his sisters Leona Hayden and Cynthia Brissette; brothers Richard “Pete” Hayden Jr. and Michael Brissette; nieces and nephews Nicole, Dwane, Shania, Michelle, Daniel, and Michael Brissette Jr, Joey Montgomery, Richard Hayden II, Danielle and Angel Muro; his children by Eva Petersen, Lisa, Amber, Crystal, Forrest Hayden Jr.; daughter by Kristie Starr, Mariah Starr; daughter by Sandra Shell, Ashley Hayden; children by Kristi Dortch, Ariona and Kendall Hayden, step-son Brandon Dortch; grandkids Illyanna, Trey, Cruz, Ezra, Kaden, Jazmin, Daniel, Lincoln, Jeremiah, King, Judah, Ki-Kya, Ina, Jakobe, Kehniwh, Beau, Innana, Kitsay, Dahlia, Mattison, Kosos, and Scarlett. To name a few close cousins: Raymond and Charles Hayden, Rhonda Bigovich, Herman and Shannon Quinn, Valerie and Elvira Hayden. His long-time girlfriend Lorann Aubrey and many more great nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by his mom (Eleanor) and father (Richard), sister Michelle Muro, daughter Destiny Hayden and cousins Eddie and Alfred Hayden.

Services being held at Sanders Funeral Home at 11 a.m. on November 30. Reception to follow, location TBA.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Forrest Hayden Sr.’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.