Talbot Hazard

Talbot Hazard was born in Gloucester, Virginia, during a visit by his mother to see her family. Just weeks later, he returned home to Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was the oldest son and third of eight children shared between Leon and Katherine (née Lemon) Hazard.

Talbot graduated from Rindge Technical High School in Cambridge and went on to take courses at Northeastern University in Boston and later at the University of San Francisco, focusing on public administration.

A man of wide-ranging interests, Tal had a deep love for travel. Among his favorite destinations were the Republic of Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), Paris, Costa Rica, Mexico and Barcelona. He also enjoyed walking, reading, restoring classic cars, listening to blues and jazz, and savoring good food. In the 1990s, a 1939 Cadillac he had restored, won the "Best Classic" award at a car show at the Anaheim Convention Center. In his younger years, he enjoyed fishing from charter boats and sailing single-handedly.

Talbot's career was as diverse as his interests. From 1974 to 1976, he worked in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) as a Field Manager for the international engineering firm, Morrison-Knudsen. Upon returning to the United States, he spent many years as an administrator in water services, working for the Contra Costa County Water District and later for the City of Tustin Water Service. He served as president of the local chapter of the American Water Works Association in both Contra Costa County and Tustin. In the 1980s, Talbot and his wife Rhonda owned and managed Castalia Books and Educational Materials in Albany, California as well as a Classic Car shop in San Diego. He retired from the City of Tustin in 2003, enjoying 22 years of retirement.

Known for his style, strong convictions, and warm personality, Talbot had many friends and delighted in entertaining. He appreciated a good bourbon, good music, and good conversation. Above all, he cherished his family and the time spent with them. Some of his favorite memories include trips to Disneyland with children and grandchildren, enjoying seafood meals, or being on the road driving cross-country with family.

Having lived a full and rich life, Talbot peacefully passed away on July 16, 2025, at Hospice of the Valley in Surprise, Arizona. He is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Rhonda; and loving members of his immediate family including Talbot T. Hazard, Iszabella Hazard, Erika Fogarty (Justin), Liam T. Fogarty, Paul Syers (Chuck), Leonora Williams (Valentine), Warren Hazard (Irese), Wayne Hazard (Sonia), and Kenneth Hazard (Lisa); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Katherine Hazard; his sisters, Gloria Chandler and Joanne Bowman; his brother, Ivan Hazard; his first wife, Ruth (née Cardoza) Hazard; and his second wife, Mabel (née Washington) Hazard.