Gary Hyrum Hazelgren passed away peacefully on September 7, 2015 in St. George, Utah at the age of 82, after a valiant two-and-a-half decade battle with leukemia. Gary was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on February 27, 1933 to Hyrum and Helen Johnson Hazelgren. He grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah; Los Angeles, California; and Haines, Oregon. He graduated from Baker High School in Oregon in 1951. Gary joined the Navy 1952 and served on the aircraft carrier, the Philippine Sea during the Korean Conflict. He married Audrey Burgin in 1956, later divorced. They had three children: Mark (Linda) of Falmouth, Virginia; Paul (Alison) of Hinstock, UK; and Karen (Bret) of Centerville, Utah. Gary worked at Hill Air Force Base for 22 years, concluding his career in 1989 as Chief Contract Management and Operations Branch, Directorate of Contracting and Manufacturing. In 1986, the Commander, Air Force Logistics Command awarded Gary the Meritorious Civilian Service Citation in recognition of his efforts which resulted in substantial savings of government resources. An intense competitor on the golf course, he won many tournaments as an amateur, and qualified for the PGA in 1994. As a golf pro, he enjoyed teaching others the game he loved. He was introduced to the love of his life, Pauline Coates on a blind date set up by their mutual friend, Roy Henry. Gary and Pauline were married in 2002. A lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gary baptized Pauline on his birthday in 2010. They were sealed in the St. George Temple on March 8, 2011. He is survived by his wife, his children, step-children Teresa (Robert) of Pahrump, Nevada; and Michelle (Frank) of Portland, Oregon; his sister Sandra (Stan) of Salt Lake City, Utah; thirteen grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank Dr. Te and his staff for the wonderful care and dedication provided to Gary. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the SunRiver LDS 1st Branch Chapel, 4461 South Country Club Dr., St. George, UT. A visitation will be held on Saturday at the Chapel at 9:30 a.m., prior to services. Interment will follow at the Tonaquint Cemetery in St. George, UT.
