Richard Hazzard

Rich’s passion and creativity in the theatre was a driving force in getting me where I am today. Even though our paths didn’t cross until 13 years ago, his energy and dedication to the arts aligned with my ideals and passion. Through his (albeit alternative) guidance and determination, I pushed myself to enter the theatre full time and make the career choices that I had always hoped to achieve. Rich became one of my best friends and my greatest mentor. Together we “discovered” tequila (allegedly), and spent many countless hours at Steamer’s Pub discussing life’s many triumphs, shortcomings, and adventures. Who I am today is a direct result of the person Rich helped me to become. One of the Rich-isms that I will forever remember is his motto to “under promise and over deliver”. As common as that may be to some, as a younger (than him) person, that saying has helped me to succeed time and time again. Rich told me his life’s goal was to engage as many people as possible with theatre art. He gave 150% to every show he worked, as his hope was to impress at least one audience member to join the theatre to continue the passion. He often advised me not to use his life choices as a road map to my career, nor the 180-degree path, but to take the 90-degree option. Rich loved to tell stories, many of which you never knew if they were true, although he would try to convince you they were. He claimed repeatedly to me to have 14 children, including Tony Ward. I feel that Rich’s big heart hidden behind his crass exterior allowed dear friends to become like children to him. After I left The Temple, Rich would call regularly and was always more interested in what was going on in my life than telling me about what was going on in his life. I will miss our long conversations and his support and accolades, in his own way. Rich, thank you for being a friend. We traveled down the road and back again. Your heart is true. You're a pal and a confidant. Thank you for being a friend.

I have known Rich for many years, way back from elementary school at St. Helen here in Saginaw. Rich always seemed to have an immense literary background and he introduced me to the books of Kurt Vonnegut Jr. when we were in High School as just one of his favorite authors. I instantly got hooked and read just about everything Vonnegut had published. Years later, Rich surprised me on my birthday one time by picking me up, not telling me where we were going, but reassuring me that I would definitely enjoy it. We ended up out to Delta College that day where Kurt Vonnegut was giving a presentation on his career as an author, and I actually got to meet and shake hands with him !!! When Rich planned something special for his friends he always went all out, many unforgettable memories !

We grew up as cousins. We played together all the time when my mom and dad took us over there, for cards or picnics.

I will always love him heart.