Ken Hazen, a WWII veteran, artist and longtime Rico community member, has passed.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 19 at the Rico Community Church at 2 p.m.
Hazen was born April 15, 1927, the son of Fred and Vira (Mitchell) Hazen. He passed away on Sunday, Oct. 30, at Southwest Memorial Hospital at the age of 89.
Hazen was a community-minded man. He was part of the Rico Fire Department for 10 years and was the town’s mayor in 1992. He was involved in many clubs, including the Shrine, Masons, American Legion, Jefferson City sheriff posse and Rico Community Church, where he often mowed the lawn.
During and after a 40-year career as a crane operator, Hazen enjoyed fishing golfing, tennis, skiing and wood carving. He was an accomplished artist, excelling in pen and ink media.
In 2011, traveled to Washington, D.C., with his daughter, Jenny Nunley, as part of the Honor Flight Program for WWII veterans.
Hazen, along with 93 other WWII veterans visited Arlington Cemetery, the World War II memorial, the Korean War memorial and the Vietnam memorial.
“It was great and a really moving experience, especially Arlington Cemetery,” he told the Cortez Journal in 2011.
When Hazen and his daughter returned from the nation’s capitol, there was a hero’s welcome.
“There must have been 1,000 people there to greet us,” he said of the trip. “It was great.”
Hazen begged his parents to join the war because his older brother, Keith, had left the family farm in Illinois to fight in Germany and France.
The Hazen family retains their patriotic spirit, a cherished value for Rico-ites, evidenced by their lively Fourth of July festivities that Hazen always participated in.
“He signed up to serve because of his willingness to give it all for his country,” said daughter Nunley. “He is the greatest patriot I know.”
Hazen is survived by his wife of 50 years, Marlene Hazen, who wrote a popular column on Rico news and culture for the Cortez Journal for many years.
He is also survived by his children, Jennifer Marielle Nunley (T.J. Johnston) of Rico, and Kimberly Ellen Jones (Todd) of Rico; and his grandchildren, Kaitlin Hazen Boren (Justin) of Las Vegas, Nev., Kelby Rayellen Hazen Nunley of Cortez, Wyatt Mathew Jones of Dolores, and Adeline Marielle Jones of Dolores. Hazen was preceded in death by his parents; and by his siblings, Keith Hazen and Dorothea Scott.
“So many people can learn from the way Ken lived his life — love of the Lord, love of family and friends, love of country,” states his obituary. “Ken has touched countless lives, and will truly be missed by all.”
Memorial contributions may be made in Ken Hazen’s name to the Shriners Children’s Hospital , Rico Community Church, Rico Fire Protection District, or the Ute Mountain American Legion Post No. 75 in Cortez.