Owen William Bezanson

Owen, William Bezanson (1933-2021)

With profound sadness we must announce the passing of Owen Bezanson, age 87 at South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater on May 1, 2021. The oldest of 3 brothers, Owen was born on the family farm in Middle River to parents Paul and Rita Bezanson. Where he spent most of his 87 years. He met his life long partner, Betty, at a church rally in Lockport and they were married in Lockport on Oct. 12, 1955.They raised 5 children together. Along with his parents Owen was predeceased by a younger brother, Parnell Bezanson (2017). He is survived by his wife Betty of 66 years, his daughter Eloise (Gary) Yeadon, Hammonds Plains, Daryl (Susan), Middle River, Greg (Wendy), East River, Garnet (Joanne), Lunenburg, and Carmen, Middle River. He is also survived by his brother, Charles, Shoreham Village, Chester, 3 grandchildren, Allen, Kevin and Garnet Marc, and 3 great grandchildren Joshua, Carter and Matthew whom he cherished and spoke of with pride. It may come as a surprise to some that as a quiet young man, Owen rode a Harley Davidson Motorcycle. And after his marriage bought a bus and established a popular bus route between Chester, New Ross and Kentville. In his early 20’s Own and Betty moved to NB where he became a supervisor in charge of building a large housing development at CFB Gagetown Army Base. Missing home, he returned to Middle River after the project was done. Preferring his independence and working in the outdoors he started his own business “Owen’s Backhoe and Landscaping Service”. He dug foundations, prepared garden plots, installed septic systems, delivered crushed rock and soils, plowed snow and cared for icy driveways and parking lots for many local business and private customers. At one time he had the only backhoe in the area, installing many of the private roads and driveways in Chester and surrounding communities. His backhoe or tractor was occasionally strapped to decks of ferries, boats or barges headed to jobs on various islands in St Margaret’s Bay. Owen also worked with his father on the family Christmas Tree and wood lots. He attended Aenon Baptist Church, Chester Basin in his younger years until he and his family felt the call to support a small church in Western Shore, now known as ‘New Hope Community Church’. He taught Sunday School and adult classes for many years. Sharing duties as Custodian and Caretaker of the church Cemetery for many decades until last year as well as providing winter care of the church parking lot. He remained a faithful Board Member until his passing always offering calm thoughtful points and wise advice. Owen faithfully provided for his family through many lean times, working long hours. He had a humble approach to life but was not above bragging about his dear Betty. He had a sense of humor and enjoyed a good joke or making wry observations about life. He was well read, from a very early age, excelling in school. And his children no doubt have a similar love of reading and learning as a result. He had a keen interest in the family ancestry and descendants who arrived in Lunenburg as ‘Foreign Protestants’ in 1753. A favorite hobby was collecting models of vintage cars, trucks and vehicles. Plus, photography. He was a long-standing member of the ‘Bridgewater Photo Club’. Performing many weddings, family and corporate shoots and was also an avid landscape photographer. Owen was known for his kindness and assistance to neighbours and friends. He and his wife spent many, many evenings visiting those in hospital or alone at home. When time allowed, he and Betty particularly enjoyed travelling within the Atlantic Provinces on ‘mini vacations. They had fond memories of travels in NB, PEI and even the islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon, off Newfoundland. Where they picked from French language menus not always sure what they were ordering! He worked part time up to his early 80’s until Mom insisted, he hang up his truck keys and retire. He passed a driver exam and road test last summer and was happy to take his wife for local drives right up to March of this year. Dad always had a tender heart toward animals, particularly the family cats and especially his Flame Point Siamese, ’Ginger’ that he adored.

Dad, you bravely faced all challenges to your health and treatment the past 3 years. Never a complaint. We loved you so much that it is hard to let you go. The family would like to extend our gratitude to Owen’s Pastor, James Haughn who offered Prayer and support both at home and in hospital before he passed. As well, staff at Bridgewater South Shore Hospital ER and 3rd floor surgical staff for their kind attention and care. And particularly Dr. Robertson who ensured his last days were comfortable. Cremation has taken place under the kind direction of ‘East Coast Memorial Cremations and Funeral Consulting’. Donations in memory of Owen may be made to the ‘Canadian Cancer Society’. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www eastcoastmemorial.ca.

To quote his Pastor, James Haughn, “Owen was a great humble man, he has run his race, fought his last battle and gone home ahead of us to be with his Savior and Lord. Well done, Owen! We thank you. We miss you. We let you go to your reward.”

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Owen William Bezanson, please visit our floral store.