SMITH, Hayden Thomas. On Tuesday, 28th July 2026. It’s with great sadness and heavy hearts we announce the unexpected departure of our Beloved Hayden, Son of Ngahina (Sam) and Elaine, much loved Brother of Kristel & Lt, and proud Uncle of Haevyn, Valiant, Honour, and Valor, and best friend to his beloved pup Loofy, into the start of his new journey with our Heavenly Father
A celebration service of Hayden’s life will be held at Latter Day Saints Chapel 5 Higgins Road, Frankton, Hamilton on Monday, the 3rd of August 2026 at 10am, followed by Burial at Pirongia Cemetery.
Message to the Smith Family can be sent to c/- 262 Ohaupo Road Te Awamutu 3800 or left in Hayden’s online tribute book at www.rosetown.co.nz
12 Messages:
My condolences to Hayden’s family and his colleagues at the Te Rapa Lab, who I know will miss him immensely. He was a kind and gentle man with a unique laugh that made me smile. Rest in peace Hayden.
Hayden, you were a genuine and honest person. Your quiet ways and intelligence left a huge mark on the lives of so many people both here at work and overseas. You brought a kind calmness and incredible strength that had a huge impact in such a small little department. It is still hard to believe that you have gone on the final journey to peace.
I know how much you loved your family and how much they loved you. While you are separated from them for now, one day you will be back in each other’s arms once more. May God comfort them and your beloved dog Loofy during this time.
Gee we gonna miss you mate. Your humble heart ❤️ your willingness to serve others your kind nature. I guess we are here for time and then we go. But it there will be a loss felt for quite some time.
Moe mai ra Hayden, ka haere koe ki te Atua.
I knew Haden Smith when he joined our Dinsdale Ward family and served with him in the Stake. His humility and quiet but staunch faith in His Heavenly Father and His Saviour will be the legacy I will remember you Hayden for. I saw you twice last Sunday, first when I sat next to you at our Stake Council meeting, and again when I found you waiting at the Tuhikaramea chapel to do an audit for one of the wards, as part of your Stake calling. We spoke for a while then quietly waited not knowing it would be your last Sunday before returning Home. Heavenly Father has of late called some of His faithful sons and daughters home and you must be one of those special souls, Hayden Smith. Rest easy now in love and peace faithful servant of the Lord. Deepest condolences to your dear family, friends, and loved ones.
Mathew 24:41-42.
God has picked the best flower from his garden.
You were taken from us suddenly, but you will be always be remembered for the kindness,friendship and memories you showed with us.May you rest peacefully in God’s loving care.
Dear Hayden’s family. I’m so terribly sorry for your loss and wanted to express my deepest sympathies. I worked with Hayden at Te Rapa Lab some years ago and the news of his passing has rippled shock far across NZ. He was such a genuine, caring and bright man, and the hole he leaves will be deeply felt. Please know that we all had so much respect for how he held himself and he will be greatly missed.
I am saddened by the loss of such a lovely person. Hayden was always cheerful and displayed a unique sense of humour which made the Fonterra DAS TF audits a pleasure to attend.
Please accept my apologies for not being able to attend in person and extend my condolences to Haydens family and work colleagues.
Hayden, gone way too soon. Always in our thoughts. Much love to your whanau you will be missed.
.
To Haydens family – I’m so very sorry for Haydens sudden passing, no words can really express how one feels at these times.
But Hayden supported the Edgecumbe DaS team with his knowledge and experience, even down to the most basic question we may have had.
But memories are magical things and can bring smiles to your face and heart at the most needed time.
Sincere condolences
Suzan
Our deepest condolences to the family. Hayden was the most gentle person I’ve worked with. He will be deeply missed. Sincerely, Catherine
Hayden was a beautiful gentle soul that it was my honor to meet him and worked with him. He was always there for the others, he was the front face of the lab. Every time’s encounter with him, he was polite and gentle. Deepest condolences, and I am so sorry for your loss. He will be dearly missed.
Hayden, your presence in the lab will be deeply missed. You brought kindness, calmness, and a quiet strength that touched everyone around you. It’s hard to accept that you are no longer with us.
I pray that God gives your family comfort and strength during this painful time.
Rest in peace, my dear friend