Samuel Hazard passed away on Sept. 15, 2010, as a result of injuries sustained in a fall and a prolonged struggle with Alzheimer's. Samuel was born on July 22, 1922, in Philadelphia, Pa., and was a descendant of Ebenezer Hazard and the Hazards who settled in America in 1630. He grew up in Germantown, Pa., with his parents and sister, Georgianna H. Johnson (Manuel J.). Sam graduated from St. Andrew's School and Williams College, and later attended Harvard and Northwestern (M.Ed.). He served in the Navy in World War II and saw action in the North Atlantic.
Sam was married to Elisabeth Trott and had three children, Crissy Cherry (Peter), Elisabeth Tierce-Hazard (Jon) and Serena Hazard. He worked in the family business until he discovered his real love, teaching. Sam touched the lives of countless children during his career as an educator. He taught and was the headmaster of schools on the East Coast, as well as in California, Idaho and Florida. He was headmaster of the Town School for Boys in San Francisco and served as academic dean of the Athenian School in Danville, Calif.
While in San Francisco, Sam was divorced and later married Juliana Pettit Merchant, who had four children, Karen Merchant-Yates (Nick), Vicky Walker (Ben), Philip Merchant (Joni Galloway) and Albert Merchant (Lily).
In 1970, Sam and Julie moved to Ketchum, Idaho, where Sam founded and was headmaster of the Ketchum-Sun Valley Community School (then affectionately known as "Sam's School"). In 1981, he was asked to move to Naples, Fla., where he played the same role in founding and heading the Naples Community School. Sam and Julie returned to Ketchum and later made their home in Boise. Beginning in 1997, he oversaw the founding years of the Riverstone Community School in Boise.
In his retirement, with Julie at his side, he traveled extensively. Sam loved gardening at his home beside the Boise River, and doted on all of his dogs, especially Murphy and his golden retrievers. Sam loved the outdoors—skiing, golfing, tennis, hiking and bird watching were his passions. He was an avid reader and a splendid storyteller.
Sam is survived by his wife of 41 years, Julie, his children, step-children and eight grandchildren—Serena Cherry Flaherty (Kevin), Spencer Cherry, Sara Tierce-Hazard, Ian Bill, Andrew Metzger, Kathryn Metzger, Richard Samuel Merchant and Madeleine Yates.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Samuel Hazard Professional Development Fund at the Community School, the Boise Humane Society or a charity of your choice.
The family is planning a private memorial service.
