Funeral for teacher Pete Hazlewood after Heathcote fatal crash
The wife of Peter Hazlewood — a loving father and teacher who died in a car crash at Heathcote earlier this month — has made a beautiful tribute to her late husband at a memorial service.
St George Shire Standard
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A devoted father, husband and teacher has been warmly remembered as a man of God who was larger than life itself.
Peter Hazlewood was days from his 41st birthday when his life was tragically cut short in a fatal two-car crash in Heathcote on October 14.
His wife Emily made a brave and beautiful tribute to her husband, the father of their four children and beloved schoolteacher at Wollondilly Anglican College at a memorial service at Menai Anglican Church on Wednesday.
“Whatever context he was in he made people laugh,” Mrs Hazlewood said.
“He was my biggest supporter and encourager, he was an amazing provider for our family and took pride in this role.”
The husband and wife once worked side by side at Thomas Hassall Anglican College in Middleton Grange as Mr Hazlewood discovered a passion for teaching and pastoral care following his career as a police officer and a firefighter.
“He was most proud of receiving a bravery award for an on-foot pursuit when he was a police officer,” Mrs Hazlewood said.
“It was such a proud moment for him and his family as he followed in his father’s footsteps as a police officer.”
Mrs Hazlewood told their children Kiara, Elijah, Elliana and Malachi how much their father loved them.
“You meant the world to him,” Mrs Hazlewood told them.
“He loved seeing you happy, he liked seeing you push through things that were challenging - he loved each one of you so much.”
His cousin Reece Bailey said Mr Hazlewood was a perfect example of modern masculinity, who loved music, diving, photography, camping, spear fishing, and life itself.
“He was fit and healthy and strong, and was also brave,” Mr Bailey said.
“But he was able to mix that with being compassionate, and caring, and empathetic, and raw.”
In their grief, Mr Hazlewood’s family said they took great comfort in his profound and defining Christian faith.
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“Our family feels peace and comfort amongst the shock and despair because we know he is in heaven with God,” Mrs Hazlewood said.
“We miss Pete terribly but we are thankful, and we will see him again one day in heaven.”