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Gary Hazelton Obituary
Dec. 31, 1947 - Aug. 7, 2017
Resident of Aptos
Gary Hazelton of Aptos, a Santa Cruz native and beloved husband, father and grandad, died of complications due to an automobile accident on August 7, 2017 while on vacation at Lake Almanor, California at the age of 69.
Gary is survived by his wife, Jill; his three children, Jennifer (Ray) Spinelli of Aptos, Christy Schoos of Los Gatos and Tom (Jeri) Hazelton of Medford, Oregon; and 11 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Burton and Helene Hazelton.
Gary was born on December 31, 1947 in Santa Cruz, California. He graduated from Santa Cruz High School in 1966 and then attended Cabrillo College for 2 years before joining the Navy in 1968. He served our country on two tours during the Vietnam War on both the USS Camden and USS Dynamic. He returned home and earned his degree from San Jose State University in 1975. He began working for the Santa Cruz County Assessor's Office that same year. He was elected County Assessor in 2002 and in June 2004 he became the first ever Assessor-Recorder in Santa Cruz County. After 34 years he retired in 2009. He served on many boards including Soquel Creek Water Board of Directors, Soquel State Demonstration Forest Advisory Committee, County Fish and Game Commission and several committees with the California Assessor's Association.
Gary enjoyed traveling, including a trip to Israel, a mission trip to Cambodia, a cruise to Alaska and many fun family vacations. He also enjoyed gardening in his beautiful yard and going on countless fly fishing trips.
Gary was a true servant of the Lord and volunteered for many positions at Twin Lakes Church, which included serving on the Board, organizing communion, serving on the benevolence team and serving as an advisor to Camp Hammer.
Gary's passion was for his family, he was rarely seen without his loving wife by his side and there was not a sporting event his grandchildren participated in that he did not attend. Gary's life mirrored that of his favorite Bible verse Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." His death leaves behind a tremendous void in the hearts of so many who knew and loved him.
A memorial service to celebrate Gary's life is scheduled for 2 pm on September 10th at Twin Lakes Church in Aptos with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Twin Lakes Church and Camp Hammer.
View the online memorial for Gary E. Hazelton
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Memories and Condolences
for Gary Hazelton
Sponsored by santacruzsentinel.com.
MaryAnn/John/Stacey Sien
August 30, 2017
Dear Jill and Family,
You must be so proud of all the wonderful words people have shared with you about Gary. Such a wonderful picture of Gary!
Gary was a great person and we always enjoyed any time we would see him and you. I really enjoyed seeing you both in Reno last September for lunch. John was sad to miss that visit.
We just can't tell you how very sad we have been since we received the sad news.
All our Love to all of you from Reno--
Wayne Fazzino
August 27, 2017
What an honorable man. I worked with Gary for many years in the county building. A truly great person. He will be missed.
August 24, 2017
Jill,
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Gary's passing.
I thank God that you have daughters in the area to be with you.
I would love to visit when you are ready--a walk at Seacliff, or lunch. Just let me know. my email is [email protected]
Love, Marilyn (Schmidt) Betz
August 24, 2017
Jill and family,
We are so sorry for the loss of Gary.
We always enjoyed talking with him while doing business.
Sending our love and prayers,
Chris and Carrie Zachmeier
Aptos Glass & Ideal Windows
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kevin anderson
August 23, 2017
I first met Gary when i was about 14, he moved his family into a home on Catalina Drive. He was always so nice to us kids and would help with anything we needed. When i got little older Gary Encourage me to take Fire Science Classes at Cabrillo Collage. I am glad i listen to Gary as i have made a career in Fire and Life Safety.Once in while i would run into Gary around town and he was so caring about my family and he would always ask how my career in the Santa Clara Valley was doing.
Gary i know i will see you in heaven when i get there.
Prayers to your family
kevin anderson (1971 Catalina)
kevin anderson
August 23, 2017
I first met Gary when i was about 14, He moved his family into a home on Catalina Drive in Live Oak. Gary was always so nice to us kids and was always waving and would smile to us. He Encourage me when i got older to study Fire Science as he was a Fireman for Capitola Fire Dept at the time. Well i am glad i did listen to Gary cause i have spent my career in the field of Fire and Life Safety. I would often run into Gary around time and we always talked about the old times and how my wife and family where doing. The guy really cared about me and how my career was going over the Hill in Santa Clara Valley.
thank you and God bless your family !
Prayers to them all and i will see you again someday Gary in heaven !!!
Kevin Anderson Then 1971 Catalina Drive
Tom Slavich
August 23, 2017
Jill,
I am very sorry to hear about Gary. He was a great guy with a wonderful sense of humor. I remember him as an outstanding Assessor with a wealth of knowledge who was always willing to help you. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Tom Slavich, Assessor
San Benito County
JUDITH DIAZ
August 22, 2017
I WORK FOR THE ASSESSORS OFFICE IN HOLLISTER.
I DIDNT KNOW GARY BUT IM SURE HE WAS A WONDERFUL MAN MY PRAYERS TO HIS FAMILY
Larry Stone
August 22, 2017
Gary was a great guy, a fun guy, a significant contributor to the California Assessor's Association.I have fond memories working with him.
Larry Stone, Assessor
Santa Clara County
Gary & Colleen Peterson
August 20, 2017
May our Great God comfort your beautiful family. Our Love & Prayers, ~ the Pete's
Robert Tonti
August 20, 2017
I didn't run with Gary in High School but I did know him all 4 years of high school . He would always have time to say hello
bruce hansen
August 20, 2017
REST IN PEACE Gary.
NANCY GALLI DALQUEST
August 20, 2017
MAY THE MANY WONDERFUL MEMORIES COMFORT JILL AND THE FAMILY. REMEMBERING WHAT A WONDERFUL AND CARING GUY HE WAS IN HIGH SCHOOL AND HE REMAINED THAT WAY THROUGHOUT HIS LIFE.
kandi carbone-lippert
August 20, 2017
Jill and Family, so sorry to hear about the accident, Hope you are recovering Jill, Gary was a sweet guy in high school fond memories. my heart goes out to you and your family, RIP Gary, fondly Kandi Carbone Lippert
christine Jefferson
August 20, 2017
Jill: I am saddened to hear about Gary. He was such a great guy - a huge support to me when I worked for the County, and then as we got to know you as a couple. Our prayers continue for you and your family. Chris Jefferson
August 19, 2017
Dearest Jill ~
Sending prayers of comfort to you and your beautiful family at this most difficult time. God Bless you.
Ingrid Pieper
Diane R
August 19, 2017
Gary was such a great guy to work with. The world is much diminished by his passing. My condolences to his family.
Julie and Bruce Bettencourt
August 19, 2017
Jill and family,
Mourning this huge loss of a great man, for you and for our church family. I don't remember a Sunday I didn't see Gary and Jill. Our love and prayers are with you.
August 17, 2017
Gary was my boss at the Assessor's Office, and such a wonderful man, and kind person. I will truly miss seeing Gary with Jill taking a walk together down at Seacliff beach.~Tracy H., Aptos, CA
August 17, 2017
I worked with Gary for many years and had such respect for him. He was sharp, funny, helpful and straightforward. He was such a pleasure to work with and this news distresses me so much. My condolences to his beautiful family and I will be truly saddened to know that the world has one fewer people of his caliber.
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