On September 14, 2013, KEITH ALBERT HAZELL, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather left us to meet Jesus face to face. He was surrounded by the love, prayers, and presence of his family. He was predeceased by his parents Ernest and Ellen, his sister Joan, and brother John, as well as his grandson Theodore Hazell.
He is survived by the only true love of his life Nova (Novie) Ruby Claireen Hazell, his son Jeremy (Faith) of Lethbridge, his daughters Anita (Roger) Nielson of Lethbridge, and Nicola (Raymond) Bergin of Lethbridge, as well as his grandchildren Julian (Stephanie), Tiffany (Brett), Dylan, Sean, Melissa, Brianna, Zachary, and Zeke and his great-grandchildren Caitlin, Mikayla, and Riker.
His passion for God and deep devotion to his family was an inspiration to everyone who encountered him. He was known for his sharp wit, sense of humour, and sloppy wet kisses. He had an ability to make everyone he encountered feel like family.
Keith was born and raised in a small village in England. In 1954, he had an encounter with Jesus at the Billy Graham crusade in London, which changed his life forever. It was during this time that he met his lovely wife Nova, whom he married on October 3, 1959.
While in England, Keith used every opportunity to further the Kingdom of God. He preached in open street meetings, led youth gatherings, was involved in several missions organizations, and served as a pastor before becoming a pioneer in the English house church movement.
In 1968, at the prompting of the Holy Spirit, he moved with his family to Calgary, Alberta, where he was instrumental in the Jesus People movement that affected many people in the late 60\\\'s and early 70\\\'s. From there, he moved to Lethbridge, Alberta, to plant New Hope Christian Centre, which became a significant church in the city. He also started Chinook Christian Academy, one of the first Christian schools in Lethbridge. Keith then founded Life Links International, a group of churches and leaders that helped empower and equip churches across Canada, the United States, and the world.
Keith never lost his vision and passion for the nations. Around 1985, he began his itinerant and prophetic ministry, which has led him to impact churches and build communities around the world. In particular, his passion for believers in Taiwan and China allowed him to have a profound influence in those nations. In recent years, he has devoted much love and energy to the Relational Mission group of churches in England and Northern Europe, who loved and respected him.
Above all else, Keith loved his family dearly. He believed in each and every one of them, and supported them wholeheartedly. He will be deeply missed.
A Celebration Service will be held at the Victory Church, 1 Mile East of Lethbridge on Hwy # 3, Saturday September 28th at 2:00 P.M.
Donations can be made to Antioch International Christian Resources and will be given to Nova to distribute at her discretion to a number of causes and charities that she and Keith supported.
Honoured to serve the family, CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1. Telephone (403) 381-7777. E-mail: care@cornerstonefh.ca
