Jane & Jim Clowe When our telephone rang at 11pm last Saturday
night, I reacted as I always do when our phone rings at that
hour, "Oh dear! I hope something hasn't happened to someone in
the family." But as a matter of fact, it did concern a member of
our extended family that we have loved for many years, that
being the passing of Claude Hazel at 7pm that evening. Ralph
Neal had called Diane Nagy who, in turn, called us.
The Clowes and the Hazels had a very close, and at times
intense, relationship that was always characterized by love and
respect. Our childrens' lives were very much entwined during
those five years in Houston and we have memories galore. In the
course of our 50th anniversary celebration, we were privileged
to share a couple of days with Claude and Elise in Seattle,
along with Alan and Molly Mills, before the Mills and Clowes
embarked on an Alaskan cruise. Elise and Claude were there
visiting Katherine and her husband, who invited all of us to
have a senior sleepover at their house. A fairly short time
later, Elise passed away. So, we were ever so grateful for our
time with them.
Claude's passing seems to close the door on a
very rich chapter of our lives. He graciously received us into
his home August before last and we got to attend church with him
along with the Redeemer remnant on Sunday. He was a faithful man
who loved the Lord and cherished his family. He seemed hale and
hearty on that occasion, and we had heard nothing to indicate he
was suffering any ill health. However, his quick departure seems
to us most merciful and a preferable way to go. He has now
entered into the presence of our Lord and is reunited with
members of his family. How can we not rejoice with him, though
we will join with his family members here in missing him
greatly. May our Father bless his children and grandchildren
with His peace at this time.
Claude Jr
.Thank
you, Lord, for my Dad; he was a great gift to us all.
Rick R I will miss
drinking coffee with Claude after church. Just last Sunday we
were chatting and remembering places around town that we knew.
His interest and curiosity was intact to the end. I enjoyed his
company, his presence. I will miss him.
Ellen C
Daphne, Claude Jr., Reese, Catherine, and Sarah - Know that you
all are in my thoughts, my heart, and my prayers. I truly loved
your dad! I know he is thrilled to be reunited with Elise and
Geoff and Brian, and most of all to be in the presence of His
Lord! For him, this is a day of rejoicing! But I know for you
and for many of us, it leaves a sense of unrest and longing
because of the yawning gap separating us from all the saints who
have gone before. I for one look forward to the day when we are
all on those streets of gold. For now though, I'm just sad.
Truly, the Redeemer neighborhood will seem utterly changed when
4402 Pease is no longer the Hazel house! So very many lovely
memories in that home. Kristi I was thinking the same
thing, Ellen. I can't imagine that house being anything other
than a gathering place for Hazel and others.
Jeanie
W Daphne, Reese, and all - we're so sad to hear about
Claude...your dad was larger than life in so many ways, and I
know that his passing will leave a giant hole in the family.
Your parents were truly special, and I have many fond memories
of them both. ne of my favorites was when I worked at Redeemer
as the parish administrator. Claude and Elise came up one day to
make use of my notary services. Claude deposed Elise in front of
me and made her attest that she was in fact Elise Hazel -- this
even though I had known them both for 25 years or so, ha. May
God grant everyone peace at this time of grief and loss, along
with deep knowledge of Claude's place in that heavenly land
where pain and sorrow are no more.
George M
Daphne, I wrote Sarah earlier that Claude's visits with the Mims
as we moved around the country were always wonderful. We've
loved your dad and mom and pray when the time of celebration
comes it will be just that in spades and that the memories will
bless you in an enriching way in spite of the grief you feel
this evening. Claude's being welcomed into the Holy City
Jerusalem, City of Peace. He's sung "I want to walk as a child
of the light, I want to be with Jesus" and now that is fact not
just hope. Lord, you have fulfilled your Word. Now let your
servant depart in peace. Amen. Love to you and all of your
family.
Leslie and I aren't free to come as I still work and that is
here in Mobile at St. Paul's. BUT you all will be our thoughts
and prayers as you celebrate your dad and his life and work for
family and for God. Yes, the Hazel's have had that "open" home
over so many years where the welcome was genuine and the purpose
of that open approach to community and the neighborhood was
sincere. Claude and Elise have been treasures to so many people
and as Jim and Charlotte Stringham used say, they now continue
to grow from grace to grace and glory to glory. No static
uninteresting scene there in heaven but one where the Lord
Himself both wipes away all tears and gives fullness of meaning
to "life eternal".
Diane N Bless all of you during this difficult time and
the peace and grace of our lord be with each of you as you
prepare for his going home. Both of your parents were always
very dear to me from my very first day in the community. I am
grateful they were a part of my life.
Barbara
Dear Hazels, Bruce and I are so sorry at your loss and happy for
his gain. I'll always remember your Dad, as he gave me away on
my wedding day and I got to live with Claude and Elise for a
while. Good memories.
Bruce B Brian was our very shy ring man. Catherine was our
flower girl (I think). Elise and Claude gave us essential
marriage counseling. I will miss knowing Claude is on the
corner. It leaves a big emptiness on our street.
Pat F
Daphne, we've been praying ever since we heard of his collapse.
I'm sad for you, but happy he's with the Lord and others in your
family. We will continue to pray. He was a member of our house
church and I could see him decline over the past year, at least.
Now he's healed--and can see clearly! Let me know what I
can do to help
Kristi H I just heard this from mom...I am so sorry for this
loss.
Cherie B Oh, Daphne...so very sorry for you but glad for
him. I know he is exactly where he has wanted to be for a very
long time. I so wish I could hop a plane and come down and
participate and lend my voice to the praise of his goodbye. But
I will be in Upstate NY that day to take my dad to Oncologist
and Neuro-psych for advanced prostate cancer and Alzheimer's.
Will be with you in thought and Spirit.
Rob B The Lord strengthen you all, Daphne. Claude was a
great man and a great man of God.
Ralph P Your father was a great man for whom everyone had
respect and affection. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Stephanie A The legacy of the Hazel marriage and clan is
the testimony of the great Redeemer King. His love and peace be
with you.
Stephanie S It is a great loss for all of us; the Hazel
family is such a remarkable family of love and faith. I have
wonderful memories of Claude spanning many, many years. I will
be in prayer for the entire family.
Mitzi
C Daniel and I are so sorry to hear this news of your dad. He was
a wonderful man whom we were blessed to know. We are holding you
all close in heart and prayer.
Margaret So sorry to hear of Claude's passing. May your
family be surrounded with God's peace.
Kim R Love, hugs, and prayers for you all.
Betsy C God be with you and all your family,
precious girl...(to Daphne)
Neal M Yes, he was, indeed, a wonderful man. You are in my
prayers. God receive him into his nearer presence.
Wiley B Daphne, blessings to you all.
Diana S May he rest in
peace.
Paula S God bless all the Hazel family. Now and
forevermore.
Ron R Daphne, very sorry to hear of Claude's
passing. My prayers are with you and your family
Margot T We all loved him as we did your Mom and Brian and
Jeff. You all were and are a beautiful and inspiring family for
so many. Love to you all.
Beth W You are in our thoughts and prayers, your parents
made a great impact with their lives. We will miss your Dad with
us here present, but know he is in God's greater Presence. I can
only imagine...
Norma B We send you all our
love.
Joyce So, so sorry; Claude was a wonderful dad and man of
faith; he will be missed. God's peace surround you and your
family.
Jane M I attended Church of the Redeemer for several years,
and have known the Hazels a long time, I had the blessing of
knowing Claude and Elise Hazel in my middle 20's , they were so
kind to me and my family. Claude is now in heaven with Elise and
their two wonderful sons, and they are celebrating. I will miss
Claude's sweet smile and how he used to call me Janie. I remember
his sweet gentle spirit, he reminded me a lot of my own dad. I
will miss him, but he is in the Glory of God now, what an
awesome place to be.
David T We love you Daphne.
I have many find memories of your mother and father from
childhood. That would be close to 45 years.
David S Sorry to hear this Daphne. Did you ever hear of
when your mom and dad were out for a drive once when they were
visiting Catherine and decided to drive by our address to see
where we lived. They saw we were having an outdoor party, and
strolled right in. It took a moment for me to realize that it
wasn't "normal". Rob Great story, David. So LOL Claude!
Amanda Daphne, Blake just told me about 30 minutes ago
about your Dad. I love your parents so much. Your dad was a
great man, he always made me laugh because he was so down to
earth. I loved your whole family. I remember when your mother
was pregnant with Sarah - we were pregnant about the same time.
I also recall when ya'll moved across the street from us on
McKinney. Such wonderful memories of your whole family. I love
you all. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Myrnette D I always loved talking with your Dad. he
remembered I was from Memphis and had been here. He always
talked about it. His smile and interest always meant a lot. God
bless you and your family at this time. I will be looking for
the arrangements ya'll make.
Patricia G Daphne, thanks so
much for writing to let us know about your Dad. I still remember
the day that your lovely family moved to Houston to join the
church!
Donna P RIP Claude, you were
important in my life as well, and the memories of you were
joyful ones. Thank you for sharing, Lucy.
Nicolette G I remember how
Claude shared with David and I that Redeemer was our kids
spiritual inheritance. That was a word from The Lord to us.
Never forgot it.
Marty C Thank you for sharing,
Lucy. Claude, Elise, and the whole family hold a special place
in my heart! Thinking of you, Claude Jr, Daphne, Reese,
Catherine, and Sarah.
Jillian F God Bless my
dear...keeping you in my prayers.
Rick L Daphne - My heart goes out to you and your family at
this time. I am deeply sorry for your loss yet I know your Dad is
at home with the Lord. Your Dad was a kind & gentle man & good
friend to my Mom and of course your Mom as well...Lot's of good
memories visiting your home and seeing all of you at church. I
will keep you & your family in my prayers. God Bless Rick &
Family...
Tony C so sorry to hear about
your Dad's passing. May the Lords Peace bless all of you as you
deal with a big loss
Donna H so sorry to hear about Claude's passing, he was
one of the pillars at Redeemer in my time; which was the 70's.
May he rest in peace. God's Blessings of comfort and hope
Jim G My traveling buddy
Claude Hazel ,known as Claudio by many orphans en Mexico, has
gone to be with the Lord Jesus .. we love you.. see you soon..
Claudio esta con Dios.. Dios te bendiga y todo tu familia....
Jaime
Lucy D My cover photo is a
picture of my cousin Elise and Claude R. Hazel's wedding back in
the 1950's. I was privileged to be their flower girl on that
special day. Last night my cousin Claude passed on suddenly and
is now in the Presence of our Lord, along with his beloved wife,
Elise and son's Brian and Geoffrey. I really cannot adequately
express how much Claude meant to me and the significance he and
Elise had in my life. Claude was the father and provider for
seven beautiful children -he continually opened his home to
provide and love those that were seeking a strong foundation in
Christ. I was one of those. Claude, I will miss the smile and
twinkle in your eye, your sense of humor, eating ice cream on
Friday nights with you and your family, wonderful meals around
your dining room table, and most of all your selfless kindness
and generosity. I am most grateful for your disciple-ing me in
Christ, through action, not just words. Claude, Daphne, Reese,
Catherine, and Sarah my thoughts, prayers, and love are with you
all. Daphne I am so grateful to hear the kind words you
have spoken about Dad, Mom and our family. You, of course, also
hold a special place in all of our hearts! There has been much
brokenness and loss in our family in recent years, and so it is
amazing to hear the outpouring of love, admiration and respect
people have for Dad. Remembering again today that this life is
only a prelude to the eternal life we will share with Christ.
May we all finish well and may each one of us someday hear the
words of our Captain, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"
Catherine H Thank you so much for posting that picture. It
brought tears to my eyes. Love you tons.
April B Hearing the news of
his death made me really sad not just because I knew him but
because of the relationship he had between my mom and him.
Claude was a second father to her, because she never knew her
father. I never knew him in the same way that she did, to her he
was the man that walked her down the aisle for her wedding. To
me he was Claude Hazel, neighbor, church friend, and
grandfather/father to some great people. Growing up I wanted to
be like his family or to have such faith to have so many
children. LOL. I really enjoyed the small few times me and
Deborah would go over to their house and Sarah did our makeup
for fun one time. I was a very shy child and I do not remember
if I ever told her how much it meant to me just coming over and
hanging with the older girls of the church. Jesus, thanks for
such good memories. Amen.
Charlotte L Daphne, I am sad
to hear of Claude's passing. He has passed from us into eternal
life. I believe he is in the presence of The Lord and his and
our loved ones, your mother, Geoffrey, Tommy and Catherine,
uncle Tommy, Brian, and those I do not know. I know you will
miss him so much. As I will in such a small way comparatively,
however, he made a mark in my life for good. I loved him. As I
love you and yours. He will be remembered always with great
affection. Daphne Thank you, Charlotte! And he is also
reunited with Uncle Clay! We miss him so much already....it's
very hard, as you know! We appreciate your prayers.
Barbara W Daphne: I am sorry to hear about the loss of your
Dad but I smile knowing that he is at home with Aunt Elise and
Brian and Geoffrey and our Grandparents and my Dad too. They all
celebrate his homecoming in Heaven. Please know our thoughts and
prayers are for the Hazel family. Daphne Thank you,
Barbara. I really appreciate your kind words and believe every
single one of them to be true! I know Dad was received by all of
our loved ones who have gone before us in the faith. I also am
at peace knowing Dad is in his eternal home! We already miss him
so much... My love to you and your family, and Aunt Margot! |