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Larey F. Hazelton

Larey Frederick Hazelton, 75, died at his home in New Castle, Colo. on Thursday evening, Jan. 30, 2014 with his wife Rita Hazelton at his side.

Larey was born April 25,1938 to Frederick Guy Hazelton and Mildred Larey Hazelton in Lake Placid.

Larey served for nine years in the U.S. Navy and was stationed at the Treasure Island Naval Base in San Francisco when he met a young nurse, Rita Jane Schweikhardt. It was the best thing that ever happened to him. They were married in 1962 and had two children. They were married for more than 51 years.

Larey had a love for politics, history, bird watching and their winter home in San Felipe, Mexico. He enjoyed folk songs, classical music and all tunes by Jimmy Buffett.

Larey was a storyteller and family man who was crazy about his kids and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Rita; daughter and son-in-law Kelley and Mike Cox of New Castle; his son and daughter-in-law Grady and Suzanne Hazelton of New Castle; grandchildren: Kasey and Sarah Cox, Chelsey and Austin Usher, Sophie Anne Hazelton and Brian Larey Hazelton; and great-grandchild Landon Cody Usher. All his grandchildren called him “Pompa.”

A memorial gathering will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9 at Mulligan’s at Rifle Creek (the restaurant at the golf course north of Rifle). Chaplain Sean Jeung will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Valley (hchotv.org/?page_id=74).