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April 19, 1914 - November 9, 2008

Hazel Beatrice Pohl was born on April 19, 1914 at home in Springside, SA. She was one of eleven children and the first daughter born to Elizabeth (Lizzie) Neibrandt and Gottlieb Pohl. Hazel grew up on a farm where she learned to work very hard at an early age. She lived the commandment to honor thy father and mother.

Hazel moved to Victoria, BC in the early 1930s to study hairdressing. She persuaded her family to join her there, which they did in 1934. Hazel’s father died in 1938. Prior to his death, her father made her promise that she would always take care of her family. Hazel did her utmost to keep her promise.

Hazel met and married Les Bayliss in Victoria. They had one child, Arthur William. Hazel divorced Les and accompanied by her son moved to San Diego, California in the 1950s. She owned bars in San Diego, which were frequented by sailors. She loved the sailors, and she enjoyed serving them food and spirits.

Hazel missed Canada, and she decided to move to Lake Cowichan in 1992. She purchased a home overlooking the river. On her move back to Canada, Hazel was accompanied by her son, her ever amusing and clever Doxie Fritz, and her shy and endearing Siamese cat Honey Bear. She adopted a sweet, affectionate gray cat named Peter.

In the 1950’s, Hazel’s brother, Amos was severely injured in a logging accident, and subsequently was involved in a terrible car crash. Due to the damage done to his brain, Amos was in care facilities for most of his life. For the last few years of his life, Hazel tenderly cared for Amos in her home. Hazel remained in her home until September of this year.

During her final years, she was cared for by her neighbors: Brenda Cartmell, Brian Falconberg, and Rosemary Danaher. Her niece, Merle and Merle’s husband, Bill, also looked after her. For the last couple of years, her wonderful caregiver, Barbara Webber, took exceptional care of her. Hazel’s family owes a debt of gratitude to Brenda and Barbara for spending time with her for the last couple of months of her life.

Hazel’s nieces, Jeanette Martin, RN and Lorraine Cannon, put her in Nana’s House in September. On October 15th, she broke her hip at Nana’s House. Hazel died at Cowichan District Hospital on November 9th. She will be remembered for: her devotion to God, family, and country, love for the water, great cooking, feistiness, generosity, saying that her middle name was trouble and German stubbornness.

Hazel’s mother died in 1962. She was predeceased by her brothers: Albin, Ernest, Henry, Herbert, and Amos, and her sisters: Laura, Grace, and Agnes. Her son died in 2001.

Hazel is survived by her grandson, Graham, and his children: Orion and Starla. She’s also survived by her sisters: Amy, Elsie (Doug), and her sister -in-law, Doreen. Hazel’s also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her cute and funny Doxie April is being cared for by her sister, Amy, and her smart and playful Tortoiseshell cat, Fifi, is being looked after by her niece, Jeanette.

A memorial service may take place in the spring. For information RE a service, please contact Jeanette Martin in Victoria.

The Forest Workers Memorial Park meant a great deal to Hazel. Her sister, Amy, will purchase a Memorial brick for her. If you would like to make a donation in Hazel’s memory, please make a contribution to Duncan Pets (cat rescue) at 350 Trans-Canada Hwy., or a charity of your choice.



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