C. Michael "Mike" Hazard

C. Michael “Mike” Hazard brought a mischievous smile, innate curiosity, generosity of spirit, contrarian streak, and love of family to all he did. Approaching his 95th birthday, he died peacefully in his home in Saunderstown, RI, on June 17, 2026. Tough on the outside and warm on the inside, Mike was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose impact on his family and community will endure for generations.

Born on August 18, 1931, in Providence, Mike was the youngest child of Frederick and Rozelia Hazard. Barely speaking until age 4, his first words were “it’s raining outside”, a harbinger of an insightful mind and a directness with words that characterized his life. He spent his childhood between Providence and the family’s beloved Hannah Robinson House in Saunderstown, where he developed a lifelong love of tennis, squash, skiing, and Rhode Island’s beaches. He attended Moses Brown and Brooks School before graduating from Yale University in 1953 with degrees in mathematics and philosophy.

Following graduation, Mike served in the 10th Mountain Division of the US Army during the Korean War era. Although the war ended before he was deployed overseas, his military service strengthened the resilience, discipline, and optimism that defined his life.

In 1955, during a post-Army trip to Europe, Mike met the love of his life, Sue Gignilliat. What began as a shipboard spark grew into a remarkable partnership. They married on April 19, 1958, and shared more than six decades building a life grounded in love, humor, adventure, and unwavering devotion. Together they raised four children, Katharine, Martha, Julie, and Chip, and Mike loved nothing more than to be surrounded by family chaos and laughter.

Mike’s love for Sue and family was followed closely by his passion for the investment business, a career he relished for more than 70 years. Starting as a security analyst in Connecticut, he later joined White, Weld & Co. helped build Essex Investment Management, and founded Westfield Capital Management in 1989. He served as Westfield’s CEO until 2001 and later as Vice Chairman of Boston Private Bank following its acquisition of the firm. He subsequently founded SM Capital Management and continued investing until the end of his life. Known for his intellect, integrity, persistence, and ability to build lasting relationships, Mike had a gift for identifying long-term opportunities and backing exceptional people.

Outside of work, Mike and Sue embraced life with enthusiasm. Mike loved to compete in all sports, particularly tennis, and was proud that he and Sue played together in over 40 countries and attended all the major global tennis tournaments. Mike was deeply loyal, loving nothing more than sharing stories and banter with friends and family, especially over a martini at his favorite clubs. He laughingly insisted that all of these communities be called out on his passing, so his absence will be felt at The Dunes Club and Point Judith Country Club in Rhode Island; Gulfstream Golf Club, Gulfstream Bath and Tennis, The Little Club, and St. Andrews in Florida; the Coral Beach Club in Bermuda; and the University Club, Longwood Cricket Club, Weston Golf Club, and Wayland Swim and Tennis in Massachusetts. He channeled his energy not just into his sports, friends, and family, but also into supporting his community and striving to make the world a better place by founding the Hazard Family Foundation in 2003 to support important causes across Rhode Island and New England.

He grieved Sue’s passing in June of 2025 and was predeceased by his three older siblings, Rozelia, Frederick, and Mary Peace. He is survived by his children Katharine Hazard Flynn (Larry Flynn), Martha Hazard English (Chris English), Julie Hazard Yandow (Willie Yandow), and Chip Hazard (Donna Keene Hazard); thirteen cherished grandchildren, Michael English (Angelica), Katy English Hackett (Alex), Curtis Yandow (Emily), Hannah Flynn Bogdan (Will), Maggie English, Stephanie Yandow, Whitney Hazard, Charlotte Flynn Smythe (Thomas), Michael Hazard, Trevor Yandow, Izzy Hazard, Nick Hazard, and Dennis Yandow; and seven adored great-grandchildren, Natalie and Eloise English; Lily and Griffin Yandow; Flynn and Henry Bogdan, and Charlotte Hackett.

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank Mike’s magnificent caregivers, especially Paula, Josie, Barbara, and Jayne, for the joy, compassion, comfort, and dignity they brought to him and to the rest of us every day. They are angels in our midst.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held on July 31, 2026, at 11 AM at The Dunes Club in Narragansett, RI. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Jonnycake Center for Hope, 22 Kersey Road, Peace Dale, RI 02879 or to Roots and Wings, 7700 Congress Avenue, Suite 3212, Boca Raton, FL 33487.