With heavy hearts, we announce that Donald Fredrick Hazelton passed away peacefully on Thursday August 3rd, 2023, in the Colchester East Hants Health Centre. Born September 20th, 1939, in Digby, Nova Scotia, he was the ninth child of the late Freda and William Hazelton.
He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Dora Mae “Doady” (Speedy) Hazelton; children, Chris (Pam) Hazelton, Jeff (Janet) Hazelton, Bill (Darlene) Hazelton, Bob (Lara) Hazelton, David Jon (Sara) Hazelton and Peter (Jennifer) Hazelton; thirteen cherished grandchildren and four wonderful great grandchildren. Don is also survived by his sister, Jean Turnbull.
Don was predeceased by his parents and siblings, Helen, Acephene, Mildred, Phylis, Lorna, Murray and Bill.
He was an avid sportsman who coached and officiated many sports throughout his life including basketball, hockey, baseball, fastball, badminton and soccer, to name a few. Don was known for his dry sense of humour, quick wit and the ability to instill life lessons throughout his career and volunteerism with youth.
Don’s passion was umpiring fastball with over 57 years of experience. He officiated at both provincial and national tournaments and was recognized by both the provincial and national bodies for numerous awards throughout his tenure. Don was involved in the first two Master Instructor Clinics held in Toronto, helping to develop the Instructor/Evaluator portion of the program for Softball Canada. He also held the position of Deputy Umpire in Chief for Softball Nova Scotia for six years. During the winter months, Don was an avid volunteer at the local hockey rinks. While coaching, he was the founding president of the South Colchester Minor Hockey Association and later held the position of Fundy Zone Chairman for the Nova Scotia Minor Hockey Council for a number of years. Don was inducted into the Truro Sports Heritage Society’s Wall of Fame in 2015, of which he and his family are extremely proud.
Don’s 33-year career in education ended with his retirement in 1994 from Brookfield Junior High as an educator and vice-principal. In his retirement years, Don continued his passion for umpiring as well as watching his grandchildren’s sporting events. He was also a devoted husband and caregiver to his loving wife, Doady.
Don’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Parkland in Truro for the exceptional care and love exhibited over the past six years. They also would like to thank the staff of 3 East in the Colchester East Hants Health Centre for the excellent care he received in the last days of his life.
Donations in memory of Don may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia, 5657 Spring Garden Road, Box 245, Halifax, NS, B3J 3R4.
A service to remember Don’s life will be held on August 19th, 2023, at 1 pm in Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow Street, Truro, N.S. A reception will follow. Webcasting will begin at 12:58pm (AST) and is available along with condolences at www.ColchesterCommunity.com.