Hazel Mildred VIYDO, age 86, of Seattle, passed away on February 24, 2009. A 47-year resident of Ballard, Washington, Mrs. Viydo was born in Macrorie, Saskatchewan, Canada on June 4, 1922.
Mrs. Viydo worked as a studio operator in the professional photography business, owning and operating the Dorian Studios from 1943 until 1961 in Spokane, and later in Seattle where she and her husband made the fortuitous decision to take on the Santa photography program at the venerable Frederick & Nelson department store. First established in 1943 by local newspaper photographer Art French, small tots were boosted onto Santa’s knee for the annual, commemorative portrait in the big corner window, and Hazel was responsible for reviewing and selecting only the best portraits to memorialize Christmas moments and build family traditions that have lasted four generations.
Following the closure of Frederick & Nelson, Arthur & Associates Holiday Photographers expanded operations to serve retailers and shopping centers throughout the Pacific Northwest with Mrs. Viydo continuing her role as president of the company until her death. "As long as there's Christmas and Santa Claus, there will be photos of children with Santa,” Hazel would say. “And as long as there are photos, we'll be doing them."
Mrs. Viydo is survived by her daughter, Nancy Harkins and husband Dan; sons, J. Hillard Viydo and wife JoAnne, Jason Viydo and wife Carol; nine grandsons; and sisters, Fran Harmon and June Crumpler. Hazel is also survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives and a host of friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Emily and Bert Adams; her husband, Kenneth R. Viydo; daughter, Michelle Viydo; and sisters, Marion Gerber and Alberta Whitten. Family services will be held at a later time. Private interment will be held at Washelli Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to cancer research.
Please sign the online guestbook at HYPERLINK "http://www.washelli.com" www.washelli.com < HYPERLINK "http://www.washelli.com/" http://www.washelli.com/>
Published March 11, 2009 in the Ballard News Tribune.
