Bruce was born on March 16, 1955, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Bruce Hayden Sr and Roxanne (Yelick) Hayden.

He graduated from Benson High School in 1973, and was inducted into the Benson Hall of Fame in 2016. He met Ruth Wieduwilt on a blind date in 1974, and they married on January 8th, 1976.

Bruce obtained his Bachelors of Science in Education at University of Nebraska Omaha, and his masters in Education at Doane College. Bruce taught science and language arts to thousands of students at Millard North Middle and Russell Middle Schools over a career spanning 35 years. His students over the years remember him for his patience and engaging curriculum. Hayden also worked at UNL through the National Center for Research on Rural Education, and taught at UNO as an adjunct instructor, teaching the next generation of middle school educators. Bruce received the Middle School Teacher of the Year Award in 1992, was a two-time winner of the Peter Kiewit Award for Excellence in Teaching, and earned many other awards.

Bruce's interests were wide-ranging. He loved archeology and served as a volunteer archeologist for the Nebraska State Historical Society. He also loved learning about astronomy and spending time in nature. He advocated for the preservation of indigenous cultures and languages, and implemented indigenous knowledge into his curricula with hopes of his students developing respect for native peoples. Students, family, friends, and colleagues alike knew Bruce for his sense of humor and goodwill toward others. Bruce's kindness extended well beyond those he knew, resulting in support for countless deserving nonprofits throughout his lifetime.

Bruce was an avid fan of UNO Men’s and Women’s Soccer. He rarely missed a match. He was a trainer for the UNO Hockey team when it was still a club sport. After the program became a Division 1 team, he held season tickets for UNO Hockey for 15 years.

After retirement, Bruce focused on hobbies like bird feeding, reading literature, and took great pride in his children and grandchildren and their pursuit of many endeavors.

He was preceded in death by grandparents Frank and Nona Yelick, and Ben and Doris Hayden, as well as his mother, Roxanne Hayden.

Survivors include: his wife of 49 years, Ruth; his children and their spouses, Jeremy and Deb, Andy and Kala, and Kellie and James; his grandchildren, Tyler, Cooper, Lily, and Cora; his father, Bruce Sr; his sister, Karen; his brother, David; and many beloved cousins, aunts, and uncles.

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