Hazel Louise Menzies

Hazel Louise Menzies (née Freeman) passed away peacefully in the presence of her family on the evening of September 1, 2015 at Menno Home in Abbotsford. She was able to continue living in her own home until two years ago, thanks to the commitment of her son George, who lived with her since the passing of her beloved husband, David Menzies, in 2001. Hazel lived, worked, raised her family and volunteered extensively in the Fraser Valley for her whole life. Born December 1st, 1928 in her home on Topham Road in Milner (Langley), Hazel was the youngest of seven in a religious farming family. She played the piano in the local Sunday school and received the Citizenship Award at Langley High School in grade 10, 11 and 12. Tragedy struck her family at this time during WWII, when she lost her brother Flight Sergeant William Freeman, December 9, 1944, in a training accident in the Royal Canadian Air force. However, Hazel carried on, enrolling in Normal School to become a teacher, where her future husband David was drawn to her while playing the piano. They married October 16, 1948 and started raising their family in Columbia Valley, Cultus Lake and Sardis, where David taught school and Hazel taught piano lessons at home. Hazel played the organ and sang in the Cultus Lake Church Choir, at Coqualeetza Hospital Chapel services and later at the Carman United Church Services in Sardis, BC for almost 50 years. She accompanied instrumental and vocal soloists at all levels, and played for musicals, choir festivals, and led the Carman Junior choir for a few years. She also played for many years in the recorder group led by Mr. Dale Warr. Hazel and David shared a passion for education, music, community service and social justice. They were avid and well-informed community activists who worked together to protect farmland and foster community well-being in the Fraser Valley. They volunteered with the local school PTA, Meals on Wheels for seniors, and gave many donations to local, national and international aid and human rights organizations. Hazel served as a regional fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society during her service with them for over 20 years, and was present when Terry Fox first proposed his dream for the Marathon of Hope. Hazel also volunteered for over two decades at the Mountain Institution of the Correctional Service of Canada, spending most of her Saturday evenings helping prepare inmates for their release into the community. Hazel and Dave were members of the NDP for 45 years and Hazel supported Dave in running as a candidate in the federal election in 1974. Hazel is survived by her all six of her children: Ray, Bob, Barbara, George, John and Janet, as well as her twelve grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, who live throughout North America, from Santa Barbara to Kitimat. She supported and encouraged her children and grandchildren to excel in music, athletics, academics and outdoor skills such as camping and fishing. Hazel was a true communitarian and will live on in the thoughts and actions of those who knew her. Hazel Menzies’ funeral service will be held in Carman United Church at 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 3rd with a tea to follow at Yarrow Community Hall and graveyard interment in Carman Cemetery on Promontory Road, Vedder Crossing at 5:00 pm. A high school bursary is being arranged to accept donations in lieu of flowers.