THEODORE HAZEL obituary

Theodore "Ted" K. Hazel, 63, died Thursday, Jan. 15, 2004, at a Great Falls hospital of natural causes.

Cremation has taken place. A private family service will take place at a later date.

Ted was born Aug. 4, 1940, to Mason and Pearl (Rink) Hazel in Columbus. He grew up in and around Columbus and moved with his family to Billings. He attended and graduated from Billings High School and later attended college at Eastern Montana College.

In 1960, he met and married Phyllis Schutz. They had four children. The couple later divorced.

On July 12, 1980, he married Letha Kazloff in Billings. During his adult life he worked as a dysfunctional family counselor, a deputy sheriff for the Tri-county Sheriffs Office in Harlowton, and as a field operator for Amoco Production Co. in Roundup. In 1999, the couple moved to Havre to be closer to children and grandchildren.

Ted was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved camping. He enjoyed working with children and often dreamed of a riding facility for the disadvantaged.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents, Mason and Pearl (Rink) Hazel; brother, Mason Hazel; sister, Mavis Berumen; and beloved pet, Ninja Hazel.

Survivors include his wife, Letha Hazel of Havre; son, Wade A. (Marcia) Hazel of Evanston, Wyo.; daughters, Vicki Jo Hazel of Havre and Cathy Lynn Hazel and Shelly Ann Hazel, both of Shelby; brother, Neil (Dolly) Hazel of Toston; sister, Dixie Dahl of Livingston; and eight grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to The Hi-line Therapeutic Riding Association, P.O. Box 786, Havre, MT 59501, or to a person's choice.

Services and arrangements are under the direction of Holland and Bonine Funeral Home.