HONORING CHUCK HAZAMA

September 1, 1932 – November 28, 2021

Former Rochester Mayor Charles “Chuck” Hazama, 89, passed away November 28, 2021, at his home at The Waters on Mayowood after suffering a stroke and declining health due to Alzheimer’s. To read Chuck Hazama’s obituary, please click here.

Chuck was elected to eight consecutive two-year terms as Mayor of Rochester, Minnesota, serving from 1979-1995. He believed that “city government must be open to all the people and responsive to their wishes”. To demonstrate this, he removed the door from his City Hall office at the outset of his first term. He embodied the Aloha Spirit of his Hawaiian roots and was a compassionate and dedicated civic leader. Chuck motivated and engaged others with his effervescent personality, great sense of humor and bright smile.

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CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE

Saturday, June 18, 2022

Chuck Hazama’s service was held Saturday, June 18th at the Congregational Church, 974 Skyline Dr. in Rochester, Minnesota at 11:00 a.m. Visitation was held at the church Friday, June 17th from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Aloha wear was requested and guests arrived in joyful colors.

Chuck’s ashes were spread off the coast of Maui on a beautiful morning on April 8, 2022. With a gentle Aloha, he returned to the Pacific Ocean and reunited with his beloved wife Aly.

ACHIEVEMENTS AS MAYOR

Chuck Hazama’s 1979-1995 Highlights

Rochester named Money Magazine’s "Best Place to Live in America".

Rochester averaged $116 million in development and growth per year for 16 consecutive years.

Expanded the Recreation Center to include two indoor ice rinks, Olympic-sized pool and basketball courts.

Helped Rochester maintain a Triple-A bond rating for 16 consecutive years.

Charter House, a new concept in retirement living at that time, was opened in Rochester.

Charter House, a new concept in retirement living at that time, opened in Rochester.

Established RochesterFest, an annual week-long festival still thriving to this day.

Dedicated and opened the new $15 million Public Library and parking ramp in downtown Rochester.

Broke ground for the Rochester $128 million flood control project.

Established and dedicated the beautiful bronze Peace Fountain in downtown Rochester.

Passed the $32 million referendum to expand Rochester’s Mayo Civic Center.

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TREE PLANTING CEREMONY

Tuesday, June 21, 2022

RochesterFest honored Chuck and planted a vibrant Redbud tree at Hazama Gateway Plaza, 530 South Broadway on Tuesday, June 21st. The tree complements the Spring Snow Flowering Crab tree that was planted in honor of his late wife, Aly Hazama, in June 2002. As they mature, the two trees will reach skyward and touch one another.

Following the ceremony, attendees visited Soldier’s Field Memorial Park and enjoyed RochesterFest’s festivities. A photo slideshow honoring Chuck was shown and will continue to be presented throughout the week.

HAWAIIAN MUSIC CONCERT

Saturday, June 25, 2022

Teaming with Rochester Civic Music, RochesterFest honored Chuck Hazama with a free concert at Soldier’s Field Memorial Park. The concert featured Grammy-award winning guitarists George Kahumoku and Peter Deaquino. George and Chuck were friends and was honored to dedicate the performance to him.

The concert was a part of Rochester Civic Music’s Global Music Series. Their mission: to foster appreciation for a variety of music genres and contribute to a fuller understanding of diverse cultural points of view.

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TO THE HAZAMA FAMILY

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MAYO CLINIC ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCH

GIVE A MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTION

Through innovative research, one day a cure for Alzheimer’s will be found. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in Chuck’s honor. The Mayo Clinic will notify the Hazama family of your thoughtful gift.

Click on the button below
Choose your gift amount
In the “Designate my gift ” section, click the arrow on the right
Choose the option, “Other”
In the “Other Designation” section, type “Alzheimer’s Research”
In “Gift Options” check the box, “Make this donation a tribute”

VISIT MAYO CLINIC WEBSITE

MOTTOS TO LIVE BY

A few of Chuck Hazama’s favorites

“Help people realize their full potential as they develop in an atmosphere of freedom, love and responsibility.”

“I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”

“Hold tenaciously to the principles of truth, honor and justice.”

HONORING CHUCK HAZAMA

CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE

ACHIEVEMENTS AS MAYOR

TREE PLANTING CEREMONY

HAWAIIAN MUSIC CONCERT

TO THE HAZAMA FAMILY

MAYO CLINIC ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCH

MOTTOS TO LIVE BY

THANK YOU FOR VISITING