Dan Hazen was a successful businessman, inventive engineer, accomplished musician, and decorated veteran of World War II. He passed away at his home in Pacific Palisades on the evening of Nov. 5 after several years of failing health due to pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Born July 4, 1918 in Marion, Kansas, Dan was the only child of Bessie Miller and Dan Hazen, Sr.
He learned to play piano and organ, performing in many concerts, and became an amateur radio operator at the age of 10, building his own transmitter and receiver. These two passions he enjoyed all his life.
Dan graduated from the University of Illinois in 1940 with a degree in electrical engineering. He worked at the U of I radio station, hosted a classical music program, and often played piano for the program. He was married to his college sweetheart, Peggy (Dorothy) Chapin from 1940 until her death in 2002.
As a reserve officer in the Army Signal Corps, Dan was called to active duty in 1941 in the 10th Armored Division and served in the European theatre from 1943 to 1945, where he was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery. He landed at Cherbourg and fought in the Battle of the Bulge with General Patton. He left the Army with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Dan joined the Western Union Telegraph Company, retiring in 1971. During his years with Western Union he lived in many cities and came to Los Angeles in 1969 as Vice President for West Coast Operations. Upon leaving Western Union, Dan, a private plane pilot, founded IFR Avionics Inc. at Van Nuys Airport.
A member of the Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church, Dan was instrumental in having a pipe organ built and installed in the church.
He was a member of American Legion Post 283. Dan is survived by his long-time companion Jeanne Allen, his daughter Jeanne H. Ballantine (Harden) of Amherst, Massachusetts, and son Robert M. Hazen (Margaret) of Bethesda, Maryland. He is predeceased by his son Dan C. Hazen (Ruth) in 2015. He is also survived by six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. The family gives special thanks to his colleague Calista Lee Brown, his devoted house helper Maria Chun, and his caretakers Danny Licudan and Ernie Anoneo.
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