Hazen Barrett

With great sadness we announce the sudden passing of Hazen Barrett on Sunday December 1st, 2019 in Edmonton, Alberta at the age of 57 years.

Left to cherish his memory are his children Amanda (Scott) Matheson of Brandon, Manitoba; and Gavin Barrett (Mishai Swain) of Winnipeg, Manitoba; grandchildren Anna and Jake Matheson; his mother Winona Barrett; siblings Marlene (Darryl) Lawrence, Carlene (Hal) Carvell; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Hazen was predeceased by his father Wendell Barrett.

Hazen was born in Woodstock, New Brunswick where he was raised on a farm. After completing high school in Hartland, New Brunswick he went on to university and graduated with an arts degree in economics and social sciences from the University of New Brunswick and later completed his education degree specializing in special education. Before pursuing a career in education, he spent a year in the army reserves. In 1990 Hazen moved to St. Theresa Point, Manitoba for a teaching position. In Manitoba he settled down and had two children. He worked in Dauphin and Melita before spending the majority of his career in Portage la Prairie. Here he eventually advanced to the role of superintendent of the Portage la Prairie School Division. His passion for education and accomplishments there have left an unforgettable impact on the school division and the community. Hazen retired from this role in 2017 and after spending some time with family he moved onto new roles, working as a director with Career Trek in Brandon. As a final adventure he took a position as principal of a school in Taloyoak, Nunavut.

Hazen was devoted to his family, friends, and work, and enjoyed making others laugh. Above everything he loved being a father and grandfather. Hazen enjoyed his hobbies of golf, photography, driving, and listening to music. He was an active member in the community of Portage la Prairie, including in the Rotary Club, and was citizen of the year in 2016.

Memorial Service and celebration of life will be held Monday December 16th, 2019 at 4:00pm at the William Glesby Centre.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations can be made in Hazen's name to the Community Foundation of Portage and District, 206 Saskatchewan Ave E., Portage La Prairie, MB R1N 3G4, or a charity of one’s choice.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021