HAZEL LILLIAN MARIE HARTMAN

Condolences & Memories (7 entries)

• Going to Manitoba and staying with Aunty Hazel and her family was the highlight of my childhood summers, and visits to see her continued throughout my life. Aunty was always so glad to see us, even when we arrived near midnight, road-weary after an all day drive. Hugs and cookies were always waiting for me there, and the comfort of knowing we were always welcomed as her family. Aunty Hazel would join us for my favourite Manitoba summer activity – going to the Lake! She would get into the water at Oak Point and on a hot day would comment that the water was as like pea soup – green and warm. Aunty Hazel would join us on our visits to relatives around the Interlake, and her knowledge of the people and history of the area always amazed me, her running commentary as we drove and walked was the perfect soundtrack. Oh how she loved to walk! We would walk at her farm, at the Lake, down the back-roads and hay fields, just walk and talk; with her interspersing our conversations with identifications and facts about the flowers, birds and nature around us. I used to get running shoes from a sponsor when I raced, and I would always try to get a pair for her to use for her walks – we had the same shoe size! Aunty loved animals, and I often heard her refer to one of her dogs or our dogs as “a dear soul”. Walks with Ringo, Buster, Jim and other canine friends were treasured times. Aunty Hazel introduced me to the world of photography, back when film, lenses and reflex mirrors defined the art of a good picture. We would trade photos by mail and compare notes on different ways to compose and set-up a great shot. Her photos of birds in her yard and flowers were exquisite. Aunty Hazel was also a very gifted painter – her oil paintings were works of art worthy of the Louvre in my eyes, and a gift of a painting from her was a treasure indeed. I once sent her a postcard from an area in the mountains where I was skiing with my then fiancé, and she created a painting from that postcard, adding in my wife and I skiing – it has hung on the wall in every place I have lived in, and is still my favourite painting. Aunty Hazel was the kindest person, and was always had words of encouragement and comfort for me as I grew up, moving from the challenges of childhood and school, university and on to the reality of real life. Her visits to us in Alberta were treasured; she came to all of our graduations, and I was so pleased to have her at my wedding. I’ll never forget where I was on September 11, 2001 – with my Aunty Hazel in Bragg Creek, Alberta, walking around with my dad and my 1 year old son, trying to enjoy the beauty of the mountains while talking to each other about the enormity of the event. Aunty liked to travel when she could, and I loved hearing about her adventures from England and Wales. She inspired me to contact our relatives in Iceland, and eventually led to me going to Iceland to visit and tour the country with them. I would talk to Aunty about her mom (my Amma) and the Icelanders in the Interlake, and we would trade back and forth the limited Icelandic language that we knew. In the years that I traveled with the ski team, I would always send a postcard from the different countries and areas to Aunty Hazel (Box 15, Lundar, Manitoba R0C 1Y0… I am going to miss using that address). I would call her when I got home to see if the postcard arrived, and we would talk about the adventures. I am going to miss my Aunty Hazel, but will treasure my memories of her forever. Bless Bless Elskan, I love you. David Bjorn - Posted by: David Bjorn Taylor (Nephew) on: May 22, 2013

• I enjoyed going to the friendship club at Hazel's she invited myself and my girls, who were just little back to the friendship club. As we moved back to the community for awhile. She always made me feel at home and we all enjoyed the homemade goodies, as the ladies enjoyed visiting with my little girls. My condolences to the family. - Posted by: marlene loewen bahde (friend and neighbor) on: May 22, 2013

• Aunt Hazel was always ready to invite us in and of course "please stay for a meal". I enjoyed looking at her paintings and was amazed by her talent. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Pat Moldowan (Neice by marriage) on: May 21, 2013

• Barry, your Mother had to be a loving person. You are so kind and I am sending hugs and prayers your way. May God continue to smile upon you and your family. May He give you peace knowing your Mother is resting in God's arms. - Posted by: Shelia Gatewood (Friend of Barry's) on: May 21, 2013

• I will always treasure those baby pictures you took of my son years ago. I smile when I look back on my graduation photos, you sewed that gown for me, it was beautiful! I will always have my special memories of you in my heart. - Posted by: Wilma Taylor Park (Neice) on: May 21, 2013

• Our thought and prayers are with you all. - Posted by: Cheryl Spradlin (Family) on: May 21, 2013

• An absolutely beautiful and amazing woman who will always have a very special place in my heart. Love you Aunty. - Posted by: Christee Taylor (Niece) on: May 21, 2013