He was born on February 15th, 1932 to Robert and Margaret (Wyman) Hazzard and raised in Gardiner, Maine. He was a member of the Gardiner High School class of ’49 and the current keeper of the Tiger mascot for recent class reunions. Bob furthered his education at Deerfield Academy and at Bowdoin College, graduating in 1955. He has maintained contact with many fellow alumni and enjoyed staying in close proximity to the college, frequenting the pool and other athletic facilities, cheering hockey and football games, and attending arts and music events until quite recently. Bowdoin was a very important part of his life.
After graduation, Bob married his sweetheart, the former Anne Bates Purinton. He served in the U.S. Navy in Washington D.C. where they lived together during his service. Upon his discharge, he continued his education at the Wharton School of Business and began a career in accounting and financial management in Boston.
In the early 60s, Bob moved his young family back to Maine. They settled in Yarmouth where he and Anne raised their five children on Pleasant Street. While in Yarmouth, Bob built a summer camp on Moshier Island that is still cherished by the family. He loved to take his young grandchildren lobstering in the old Whaler "HazzBin".
Using his athletic pseudonym, "Hap", Bob was an accomplished individual and team athlete. He played football (end) and hockey at Gardiner and at Bowdoin, earning the renowned Polar Bear hockey program their very first of many championship banners in 1954. He was a highly ranked New England runner in his age groups through his 40s and 50s, running the Boston Marathon twice and completing many others during that time. He loved the friendly competition of doubles and mixed double tennis at Maine Pines and made many tennis friends. More recently, he got back into competitive swimming and made the pages of Sports Illustrated last year at the age of 79 by setting several age group records at the New England Masters swimming event in Cambridge. He swam at the same New England Masters event just a few weeks ago despite the advancing stages of his illness.
Bob is survived by his beloved and loving wife Anne, his five children Rob and his wife Mary, Pete and his wife Susan, Jim and his wife Pat, Will and his wife Karen, and Molly and her husband Jon, and their children. He will be missed by several grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A service will be held on Friday, June 8th at 2:00 p.m. at Stetson’s Funeral Home, 12 Federal St., Brunswick immediately followed by a reception at Bowdoin College’s Moulton Union from 3:00-5:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Maine Chapter, Alzheimer’s Association, 383 US. Route 1, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074. Condolences may be expressed at www.stetsonsfuneralhome.com.
obits@timesrecord.com
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