Jack Lee Hazelton's Obituary
Celebrating the Life of Jack Lee Hazelton
Jack was born on July 16, 1920 in Wichita, Kansas where he lived until 1926 when he moved with his family to Tacoma, Washington. His parents were Lee and Carrie Hazelton and he was the first of 3 children.
He graduated from Lincoln High School in Tacoma and worked at the General Mills packing plant until leaving to attend Washington State University in 1941. After one year of college, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps on July 27, 1942 and was put through basic training. The day before reporting for flight training June 9, 1943 he was transferred to active service in the Army’s 75th division and sent to Europe. He was involved with three major campaigns; Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe—before being discharged in January 1946.
In the fall of 1946 Jack resumed studies at Washington State University where he met Louise Arlene Peterson. They were married on July 17, 1948 and returned to the university together for his final year to complete his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
Jack was immediately hired by Boeing and had a 33 year career working in several areas—primarily in aerospace—and on many projects including the B-52 Bomber, Minuteman Missile, and the IUS program. He enjoyed traveling for Boeing and took the opportunity to combine business with vacation by bringing his family along on many trips; not the least of which was a trip to the east coast in 1965 beginning at Valley Forge, PA.
Jack was always busy. In 1951 he started building a house working on it after Boeing hours and on weekends and on vacation time, completing it in 1953 before their first child was born in January 1954. When that house was “outgrown”, he worked on plans for another. He contracted a framer, plumber and stone mason but designed and completed all the wiring and inside finishing work himself and moved his family in the fall of 1966 and remained there for almost 50 years.
Jack found time to coach Little League baseball, competed in bowling for over 50 years; first bowling on a team called the “Double E” competing at Rainier Lanes in Seattle, and then for 45 + seasons after moving from south Seattle out to Normandy Park; 38 of which were bowled with his son right after Randy started with Boeing in 1977. This led to participation in many Boeing Bowling Association (BEBA) tournaments and State Tournaments over this period. Jack and Randy even won one of the BEBA DOUBLES Tournaments during that time with Jack having a 245 game to “seal the deal”!
Jack and Louise bought property up at Lake Cushman in 1969. It was about 4 years after that that Jack picked up “motorcycle” riding. First it was a Honda Scrambler 90 and then a Honda Scrambler 100 was added to the inventory. This was back when there were still trails “aplenty” all through the hills surrounding Cushman. Their enjoyment of the area led to the construction of the “cabin” in 1977. This was built entirely by Jack with occasional help from an assorted cast of characters! The cabin became the perfect place for Jack to haul the 18’ boat that he constructed in the early 1960’s while the family lived in south Seattle. This boat was built by Jack in the single car garage over the period of a few months and was used for numerous fishing trips, water skiing outings, and general sightseeing around the area. He named it the “Pamlynn” and there are rumors that this boat can still be seen in the waters of Bremerton even today.
For over 60 years both Jack and Louise have been active members of the Rainer Beach unit of an organization called “Friends of Youth”. A volunteer organization working to raise funds in support of the GRIFFIN HOME FOR BOYS (and now days many homes for girls and boys) located in Renton.
During Jack’s 33 years of retirement he enjoyed golfing, various construction and remodel projects, spending time with his family and friends, playing cards and regularly hosting people in their home. He especially loved playing a card game called “Oh Hell” and hosted a regular group on Saturday nights for almost 30 years. He won his last game by a 30 point margin!
Jack is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Louise, their three children; Randy Hazelton, Lynn Mazur and Pam Lind; daughter-in-law Rachelle Hazelton, Son-in-law Andy Mazur; 8 grandchildren; Daniel Koens, Caitlin (Mazur) Raburn and husband Archie Raburn, Erin Mazur, Nathan Mazur, Caleb Mazur, Bryan Lind, Robert Lind, Stephanie Lind and 3 great grandchildren; Josiah Raburn, Eric Raburn and Ashlynn Raburn;
Jack also leaves behind his sister Betty Dosa and brother-in-law and wife; Robert and Robyn Peterson, many nephews and nieces and a host of friends.
A Celebration of Jacks life will be held on Wednesday, December 30th at 12:00 Noon in the Garden Chapel. Immediately following there will be a committal graveside with Military Honors. A reception gathering in the Oak Room of the Celebration of Life Center will follow at Mountain View Funeral Home and Memorial Park.
The family requests that contributions in lieu of flowers be made in Jack’s name to; Friends of Youth, 13116 NE 132nd St, Kirkland, WA 98034-2306 or email [email protected]
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