Dan Francis Hazen Jr.

1918 - 2016

July 4, 1918 - November 5, 2016 Dan Hazen was a successful businessman, inventive engineer, accomplished musician, and decorated veteran of World War II. He passed away at his home in Pacific Palisades on the evening of November 5 after several years of failing health due to Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Born in Marion, Kansas, the only child of Bessie Miller and Dan Hazen, Sr., he learned to play the piano and organ, performing in many concerts, and became an amateur radio operator at the age of 10, building his own transmitter and receiver. These two passions he enjoyed all his life. Dan graduated from the University of Illinois in 1940 with a degree in electrical engineering. He worked at the University radio station, hosted a classical music program, and often played piano for the program. He was married to his college sweetheart, Peggy (Dorothy) Chapin from 1941 until her death in 2002. As a reserve officer in the Army Signal Corps, he was called to active duty in 1941 and served in the European Theatre from 1943 to 1945, where he was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery. He left the Army with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Dan joined the Western Union Telegraph Company from which he retired in 1971. During his years with Western Union he lived in many cities and came to Los Angeles in 1969 as Vice President for West Coast Operations. Upon leaving Western Union, Dan, a private plane pilot, founded IFR Avionics, Inc., at Van Nuys Airport. A member of the Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church, Dan was instrumental in having a pipe organ built and installed in the church. Dan is survived by daughter Jeanne H. Ballantine (Harden) of Amherst, MA, and son Robert M. Hazen (Margaret) of Bethesda, MD. His son Dan C. Hazen (Ruth) predeceased him in 2015. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. The family gives thanks to his companion Jeanne Allen, his longtime friend and colleague Calista Lee Brown, his devoted housekeeper, Maria Chun, and his caretakers Danny Licudan and Ernie Anoneo.