It is with deepest sorrow we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather. July 6, 2026, surrounded by love, Dad slipped away peacefully to join our mom (Donna), the love of his life, who has been patiently waiting for him for the last 13 years.

Dad was born to the late Harold and Sophia (Ross) Hazel in Scotch Village, NS where he and his siblings were raised.

Dad eventually moved to Halifax where he met Mom and they resided in Jollimore. Dad felt the calling of Scotch Village and so in 1973, our family excitedly moved to open fields, fresh air and peaceful evenings. Between 1968 – 1984, our home would become a loving foster home to 78 youths.

Dad’s skills and trade of heavy equipment operator found him at Fundy Construction and then at the City Field of Halifax, where he eventually retired from. During his career he spent 29 months operating a D8 manual dozer while building the Bicentennial Highway. Many lifelong friendships were made with coworkers and their families.

He was a man of few words but you always knew where you stood with him. Dad was a supporter and advocate for anyone living on the fringe of society.

Dad was often referred to as “a legend” in the Ox Pulling Association. His team of oxen and ox pulling feats instilled a great source of happiness and pride within him. During his ox pulling days Dad would lean into the centre of the ox yoke, whisper something to his team and then tell them to pull and pull they did! Dad also used his team to haul wood from his woodlot. He would hook the team to a log and say “get up ahead” and the oxen would pull the log along the woods road and stop at the truck waiting to have it unhooked.

Some of Dad’s fondest memories included taking his grandchildren to the Halifax County Exhibition where in 2015 he was named Fair Person of the Year. Dad could be found in his yard with a cigar in his mouth, work boots on his feet and sitting in a lawn chair. Favorite past times were card parties, working the land, coffee and conversation with the gang at Tim Horton’s in Windsor. Dad’s favorite place was being surrounded by the chaos, noise, laughter and love that is his family.

Predeceased by his loving wife of 53 years, Donna (Rainforth), siblings; Shirley (Hunter), twin brother Lawrence (Laurie). Survived by sister Janet (Lawrence) Boyd.

A loving father to; Sherry (John) Smith, Cindy (Donnis) Shupe, Leslie (Dan Avis) Hazel-Avis and Brad.

Grandfather extraordinaire to: Jamie (Kyley), Kaleigh, Amy, Dawson (Hailee), Holly (Ness), Jordan and Hannah.

Proudest Great Grandfather to: Jack, Charlie, Gunner and Leverett.

A special thanks to all of the extraordinary private care and Northwood care girls. You were all his favorite. You will never know how much Dad and all of us appreciated your loving, compassionate and kind souls throughout this journey. Many thanks to an amazing Palliative Care team in Windsor, Dr Colin Spencer and the VON.

His light has dimmed but he will shine on within our hearts and memories.

Service will be held on Monday, July 13, 2026 2pm at the Newport Baptist Church, in Scotch Village, 929 Highway 236 Scotch Village.

Private burial will take place at a later date. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Newport Baptist Church.