Governor’s chief of state and ex-Springfield mayor Mike Haydon dies

MIKE HAYDON (courtesy of the Lexington Herald-Leader)

STAFF REPORT

Sunday, Aug. 12, 2012, 6:15 p.m. (UPDATED 9 p.m.)  — The Lexington Herald-Leader reported Sunday that former Springfield Mayor Mike Haydon,  Gov. Steve Beshear’s chief of staff, died about noon Sunday.

The newspaper reported it was believed he had a heart attack, though other unconfirmed reports indicate his death may have been due to a blood clot.

In addition to serving as Springfield’s mayor, Haydon was a veteran of government service for more than three decades, acting as secretary of the Revenue Cabinet under Gov. Paul Patton and serving as chief of staff for House Majority Floor Leader Rocky Adkins. Haydon was named Beshear’s chief of staff in 2010.

“Jane and I are shocked and devastated by the sudden death of my chief of staff and good friend, Mike Haydon,” Gov. Steve Beshear said through in a press release. “Mike’s deep experience in state and local government and his vast knowledge of the issues that really matter to the people of this state made him an invaluable leader in our administration and a strong advocate for local governments.  Jane and I will always be grateful for his dedication, counsel, knowledge and sense of humor.  We have not only lost a man who dedicated his life to improving the future for Kentuckians; we have also lost one of our best friends.

“But the pain of our loss pales in comparison to that of his wife, Lisa, and their three children, Blair, Kate and Ben, as well as the many members of his extended family. Mike was a dedicated husband and father, and he was never happier than when he was with his family. We grieve with them now, and are praying for them.”

Springfield Mayor John Cecconi Sr. told the Herald-Leader  “Springfield will miss Mike a lot. Last time I talked to Mike, he was upbeat as he could be, probably at the African-American celebration last week. He showed no signs of illness.”

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