Doris Faye Bezanson1
F, #23582, b. 3 February 1931, d. 7 July 2022
| Father* | Chester Gordon Bezanson1 b. 3 May 1903, d. 3 Jan 1995 |
| Mother* | Clara Bell Power1 b. 22 Nov 1898, d. 4 Sep 1994 |
Family | Arthur Rogers |
| Child |
|
| Relationship | 5th great-granddaughter of Jean George Bezanson |
Doris Faye (Bezanson) Rogers
Obituary from The Chronicle-Herald (Halifax, Nova Scotia), 11 July 2022:
Doris Faye ROGERS
Age 91, of Canaan, Kings Co., passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 7, 2022 in Valley Hospice, Kentville. Born in Halls Harbour, she was the daughter of the late Chester and Clara (Power) Bezanson. She was also predeceased by her brothers, Harvey, Lewis, Timothy and Emmerson; daughter, Sherry Evans (Rogers); and son-in-law, Greg Griffin.
Doris is survived by her son, Michael (Dale), Bedford; daughter, Debbie (Mike), Canaan; grandchildren, Andrea (Scott) Gates, Melissa Rogers, Michelle (Matt) Evans Johnson, Cory (Kate) Griffin, Jillian (Alec) Sarty and Jeremy (Breanna) Griffin; great-grandchildren, Lindsay, Dirk, Nova, Haven, Emmett and Errol; and long-time companion, Harold Fox.
She was a loving and affectionate mother and grandmother, and a warm and devoted friend. Doris was employed at BFM Hospital for 30 years and retired in 1990. She was a previous member of the Good Neighbor Club in Centreville. She loved to read and had a passion for music and dancing. Her fondest memories were of spending time with her family at the cottage. Her laughter and quick wit will always be remembered.
A special thank you to all the staff at Valley Hospice for their kindness and compassion. They are truly angels here on earth.
Cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation by request. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13th in Elm Grove Cemetery, Steam Mill. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. Online condolences and inquiries may be directed to: www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.3
Age 91, of Canaan, Kings Co., passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 7, 2022 in Valley Hospice, Kentville. Born in Halls Harbour, she was the daughter of the late Chester and Clara (Power) Bezanson. She was also predeceased by her brothers, Harvey, Lewis, Timothy and Emmerson; daughter, Sherry Evans (Rogers); and son-in-law, Greg Griffin.
Doris is survived by her son, Michael (Dale), Bedford; daughter, Debbie (Mike), Canaan; grandchildren, Andrea (Scott) Gates, Melissa Rogers, Michelle (Matt) Evans Johnson, Cory (Kate) Griffin, Jillian (Alec) Sarty and Jeremy (Breanna) Griffin; great-grandchildren, Lindsay, Dirk, Nova, Haven, Emmett and Errol; and long-time companion, Harold Fox.
She was a loving and affectionate mother and grandmother, and a warm and devoted friend. Doris was employed at BFM Hospital for 30 years and retired in 1990. She was a previous member of the Good Neighbor Club in Centreville. She loved to read and had a passion for music and dancing. Her fondest memories were of spending time with her family at the cottage. Her laughter and quick wit will always be remembered.
A special thank you to all the staff at Valley Hospice for their kindness and compassion. They are truly angels here on earth.
Cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation by request. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13th in Elm Grove Cemetery, Steam Mill. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. Online condolences and inquiries may be directed to: www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.3
| Last Edited | 11 Jul 2022 |
Citations
- [S1] Dorothy Evans, Bezansons from Nova Scotia, 199, 252.
- [S662] Roberta Joudrey, "Nova Scotia Obituaries", citing Halifax Herald, 29 January 2003, Thomas Chester "Tim" Bezanson.
- [S2] Doris Faye Rogers Death Notice, The Chronicle-Herald (Halifax, Nova Scotia), 11 July 2022.
- [S1] Dorothy Evans, Bezansons from Nova Scotia, 252.
Sherri Lynn Rogers1
F, #23585, b. 24 May 1958, d. before 11 July 2022
| Father* | Arthur Rogers1 |
| Mother* | Doris Faye Bezanson1 b. 3 Feb 1931, d. 7 Jul 2022 |
| Relationship | 6th great-granddaughter of Jean George Bezanson |
Sherri Lynn Rogers was born on 24 May 1958.1 She died before 11 July 2022 when she was listed as deceaed in her mother's death notice.2
| Last Edited | 11 Jul 2022 |
Thomas Chester Bezanson1
M, #23587, b. 11 August 1936, d. 20 January 2003
| Father* | Chester Gordon Bezanson1 b. 3 May 1903, d. 3 Jan 1995 |
| Mother* | Clara Bell Power1 b. 22 Nov 1898, d. 4 Sep 1994 |
Family | Anne Huntley |
| Relationship | 5th great-grandson of Jean George Bezanson |
Thomas Chester Bezanson was born on 11 August 1936.1 He was a chef. He married Anne Huntley.1 Thomas Chester Bezanson died on 20 January 2003 at his home, Surrey, British Columbia, at age 66.2 He was buried in East Halls Harbour Cemetery.2
Obituary from The Halifax Herald (Halifax, Nova Scotia), 29 January 2003:
Obituary from The Halifax Herald (Halifax, Nova Scotia), 29 January 2003:
BEZANSON, Thomas Chester "Tim" - 67, Surrey, B.C., formerly of Centreville, Kings Co., passed away January 20, 2003, quietly, at home.
Born in Halls Harbour, Kings Co., he was the youngest son of the late Chester and Clara (Power) Bezanson. He was a chef by trade and had been employed at Camp Aldershot, Kings Co., and the former Cornwallis Inn, Kentville. He continued working in his chosen trade after moving to Surrey.
He is survived by sons, Darren, Surrey; Dale, Kamloops, B.C; daughter, Martina and two granddaughters, all of Kamloops; sister, Doris Rogers, Centreville; brother, Emerson, Black Rock, Kings Co; several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by brothers, Harvey and Lewis. Cremation has taken place in Surrey. There will be no visitation by family request. A graveside service will be held at a later date in East Halls Harbour Cemetery.2
Born in Halls Harbour, Kings Co., he was the youngest son of the late Chester and Clara (Power) Bezanson. He was a chef by trade and had been employed at Camp Aldershot, Kings Co., and the former Cornwallis Inn, Kentville. He continued working in his chosen trade after moving to Surrey.
He is survived by sons, Darren, Surrey; Dale, Kamloops, B.C; daughter, Martina and two granddaughters, all of Kamloops; sister, Doris Rogers, Centreville; brother, Emerson, Black Rock, Kings Co; several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by brothers, Harvey and Lewis. Cremation has taken place in Surrey. There will be no visitation by family request. A graveside service will be held at a later date in East Halls Harbour Cemetery.2
| Last Edited | 25 Apr 2014 |
Evelyn Frances Kingsley1
F, #23598, b. 18 December 1919, d. 7 July 2002
Family | Stanley Burton Bezanson b. 16 Aug 1917, d. 4 Oct 2002 |
| Children |
|
Evelyn Frances Kingsley was born on 18 December 1919 at Providence, Rhode Island.2,1 She married Stanley Burton Bezanson on 19 August 1941. She was 21. He was 24.1 Stanley Burton Bezanson and Evelyn Frances Kingsley appeared on the census of 1950 at 141A Eilers St, Norfolk, Virginia, with Burton Chipman Bezanson and Steven Bezanson.3 Evelyn Frances Kingsley died on 7 July 2002 at age 82.4 She was buried in Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minnesota.5
Obituary from Star Tribune (Minneapolis, Minnesota), 10 July 2002:
Obituary from Star Tribune (Minneapolis, Minnesota), 10 July 2002:
Bezanson
Evelyn Frances (nee Kingsley). Born 12/18/1919 in Providence, RI, died 7/7/2002. Survived by Stanley, husband of 60 years; sons, Chips, Steven and Don; brother, Percy of Dighton, MA; grandchildren, TammySue, Eric, Brandon and Kelin. Memorial service Fri., July 12 at 2pm, Three Links Care Center, 815 Forest Ave., Northfield, MN.2
Evelyn Frances (nee Kingsley). Born 12/18/1919 in Providence, RI, died 7/7/2002. Survived by Stanley, husband of 60 years; sons, Chips, Steven and Don; brother, Percy of Dighton, MA; grandchildren, TammySue, Eric, Brandon and Kelin. Memorial service Fri., July 12 at 2pm, Three Links Care Center, 815 Forest Ave., Northfield, MN.2
| Last Edited | 8 May 2023 |
Citations
- [S1] Dorothy Evans, Bezansons from Nova Scotia, 200.
- [S2] Evelyn Frances Bezanson Death Notice, Star Tribune (Minneapolis, Minnesota), 10 July 2002, p. B8.
- [S4] 1950 U.S. Federal Census; Norfolk, Norfolk, Virginia; Roll: 3675; ED: 115-34; Sheet: 3.
- [S3] Social Security Administration, Social Security Death Index, Issue State: Rhode Island; Issue Date: Before 1951.
- [S836] Various Contributors, "Find A Grave", Evelyn Frances (Kingsley) Bezanson; Birth: 18 December 1919; Death: 7 July 2002; Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Memorial Number: 65390614.
- [S1] Dorothy Evans, Bezansons from Nova Scotia, 200, 253.
Burton Chipman Bezanson1
M, #23599, b. 16 May 1942, d. 30 November 2020
| Father* | Stanley Burton Bezanson1 b. 16 Aug 1917, d. 4 Oct 2002 |
| Mother* | Evelyn Frances Kingsley1 b. 18 Dec 1919, d. 7 Jul 2002 |
| Relationship | 5th great-grandson of Jean George Bezanson |
Obituary:
Burton Chipman Bezanson
Burton Chipman Bezanson, also known as "Chips", passed away on November 30th, 2020 in Grass Valley, California at the age of 78 due to Covid19.
Chips was born to Stan and Evelyn Bezanson on May 16th, 1942 in Chelsea, Massachusetts. Known for his funny and witty sense of humor, he was the most stubborn man you would have ever met. For most of this life, Chips drifted from job to job across the country, from the Circus to the Oil Field. In the last years of his life he lived in tent in Downieville California, panning for gold. If he had $60 in his pocket he would tip a waitress $50 for coffee and a donut.
Eight years ago, Chips got to meet his daughter for the first time in 35 years. You could always catch Chips reading the newspaper and People Magazine. He loved gold panning, conversations and making people laugh and smile, and enjoyed anyone with a story to tell. In his presence, you realized that to sit on a bench in the sun watching the world rush by is enough to be content. He was always excited, every single day, for the phone to ring knowing it would be his daughter calling to say her hellos and check in.
Chips is survived by his daughter Tammy Sue Cookston of Newcastle, Wyoming, and his grandchildren that he adored; Elijah and Harley Cookston of Gordon Nebraska, and Dayson and Nova Cookston of Newcastle, Wyoming. Nova was his pride and joy. He is also survived by his brother Don Bezanson of Northfield, Minnesota, and several nieces and nephews. Chips was preceded in death by his parents Stan and Evelyn and his brother Steven.2
Burton Chipman Bezanson, also known as "Chips", passed away on November 30th, 2020 in Grass Valley, California at the age of 78 due to Covid19.
Chips was born to Stan and Evelyn Bezanson on May 16th, 1942 in Chelsea, Massachusetts. Known for his funny and witty sense of humor, he was the most stubborn man you would have ever met. For most of this life, Chips drifted from job to job across the country, from the Circus to the Oil Field. In the last years of his life he lived in tent in Downieville California, panning for gold. If he had $60 in his pocket he would tip a waitress $50 for coffee and a donut.
Eight years ago, Chips got to meet his daughter for the first time in 35 years. You could always catch Chips reading the newspaper and People Magazine. He loved gold panning, conversations and making people laugh and smile, and enjoyed anyone with a story to tell. In his presence, you realized that to sit on a bench in the sun watching the world rush by is enough to be content. He was always excited, every single day, for the phone to ring knowing it would be his daughter calling to say her hellos and check in.
Chips is survived by his daughter Tammy Sue Cookston of Newcastle, Wyoming, and his grandchildren that he adored; Elijah and Harley Cookston of Gordon Nebraska, and Dayson and Nova Cookston of Newcastle, Wyoming. Nova was his pride and joy. He is also survived by his brother Don Bezanson of Northfield, Minnesota, and several nieces and nephews. Chips was preceded in death by his parents Stan and Evelyn and his brother Steven.2
Obituary from The Union (Grass Valley, California), 15 December 2020:
Burton Chipman Bezanson, known as "Chips," dies at 78
by Victoria Penate
In his final years, Burton Chipman Bezanson, known to many locals as "Chips," most looked forward to daily phone calls with his daughter.
Eight years ago, Bezanson and his daughter, Tammy Cookston, were reunited after 35 years without contact. Wanting to connect with him as much as possible since then, Cookston said, "I called my dad every single day."
He worked numerous jobs — "from the circus to the oil field," according to Cookston — and traveled throughout the country before arriving in Grass Valley. He was homeless for years, sheltered at times by Hospitality House, whose staff found him housing in 2015, and ultimately resided in a local skilled nursing facility.
Bezanson died Nov. 30 due to COVID-19. He was 78.
According to Cookston, her father started to show symptoms the weekend before Thanksgiving, prompting a test which came back positive for the virus five days later, just a few days before his death.
"Even though I didn’t get to say an official goodbye, it makes it easier that I called every day, and he knew how much I loved him," she said.
Cookston said she had recently considered moving him to Wyoming, where she lives, but hesitated as she "knew his heart was in California."
Bezanson loved panning for gold. Cookston plans to send some of her father’s ashes to Hospitality House medical case manager Fred Skeen, who has agreed to spread them where Highway 49 meets Oregon Creek.
"I’m going to reintroduce the ashes among the gold dust, and he can work his way to the ocean," said Skeen.
Skeen described Bezanson as both a lovable humorist — often joking or doing magic tricks to entertain the youth who helped out at the shelter — and philosopher, full of wisdom.
"He was one of those characters who makes this work all worthwhile," he said.
Hospitality House co-founder Cindy Maple said Bezanson "always had a story."
Maple first met Bezanson around 15 years ago, in the very first days of the shelter being open. She recalled the lasting impact of his storytelling, especially when it came to the everyday experiences of homelessness.
"It really impacted my thinking from that day forward," said Maple. "I understood it on some level … but that was an eye opener for me, and I never forgot that from Chips."
Cookston recounted what her father told her one day when she asked him if he wanted her to organize a funeral after his death: "All I want you to say is, ’whoop-de-do.’"
The day he died, when she received the phone call informing her, she remembered what he had said and found herself laughing through her tears, saying, "Well, whoop-de-do, dad."
Cookston emphasized Bezanson’s love for her children — his grandchildren — Elijah, Harley, Dayson, and Nova.
Soon after their reunion, before Cookston’s two youngest children were born, Bezanson sent her some money for her two eldest — along with the conditions that it be spent exclusively on ice cream, and that the boys be allowed to eat as much of it as they wanted.
In his honor, she said, she will treat her two youngest to an ice cream day soon, and let them know that is exactly what their grandfather would have wanted for them.4
by Victoria Penate
In his final years, Burton Chipman Bezanson, known to many locals as "Chips," most looked forward to daily phone calls with his daughter.
Eight years ago, Bezanson and his daughter, Tammy Cookston, were reunited after 35 years without contact. Wanting to connect with him as much as possible since then, Cookston said, "I called my dad every single day."
He worked numerous jobs — "from the circus to the oil field," according to Cookston — and traveled throughout the country before arriving in Grass Valley. He was homeless for years, sheltered at times by Hospitality House, whose staff found him housing in 2015, and ultimately resided in a local skilled nursing facility.
Bezanson died Nov. 30 due to COVID-19. He was 78.
According to Cookston, her father started to show symptoms the weekend before Thanksgiving, prompting a test which came back positive for the virus five days later, just a few days before his death.
"Even though I didn’t get to say an official goodbye, it makes it easier that I called every day, and he knew how much I loved him," she said.
Cookston said she had recently considered moving him to Wyoming, where she lives, but hesitated as she "knew his heart was in California."
Bezanson loved panning for gold. Cookston plans to send some of her father’s ashes to Hospitality House medical case manager Fred Skeen, who has agreed to spread them where Highway 49 meets Oregon Creek.
"I’m going to reintroduce the ashes among the gold dust, and he can work his way to the ocean," said Skeen.
Skeen described Bezanson as both a lovable humorist — often joking or doing magic tricks to entertain the youth who helped out at the shelter — and philosopher, full of wisdom.
"He was one of those characters who makes this work all worthwhile," he said.
Hospitality House co-founder Cindy Maple said Bezanson "always had a story."
Maple first met Bezanson around 15 years ago, in the very first days of the shelter being open. She recalled the lasting impact of his storytelling, especially when it came to the everyday experiences of homelessness.
"It really impacted my thinking from that day forward," said Maple. "I understood it on some level … but that was an eye opener for me, and I never forgot that from Chips."
Cookston recounted what her father told her one day when she asked him if he wanted her to organize a funeral after his death: "All I want you to say is, ’whoop-de-do.’"
The day he died, when she received the phone call informing her, she remembered what he had said and found herself laughing through her tears, saying, "Well, whoop-de-do, dad."
Cookston emphasized Bezanson’s love for her children — his grandchildren — Elijah, Harley, Dayson, and Nova.
Soon after their reunion, before Cookston’s two youngest children were born, Bezanson sent her some money for her two eldest — along with the conditions that it be spent exclusively on ice cream, and that the boys be allowed to eat as much of it as they wanted.
In his honor, she said, she will treat her two youngest to an ice cream day soon, and let them know that is exactly what their grandfather would have wanted for them.4
| Last Edited | 16 Dec 2020 |
Citations
- [S1] Dorothy Evans, Bezansons from Nova Scotia, 200.
- [S680] Burton Chipman Bezanson Death Notice, Chapel of the Angels Mortuary & Crematory (Grass Valley, California), accessed 16 December 2020.
- [S4] 1950 U.S. Federal Census; Norfolk, Norfolk, Virginia; Roll: 3675; ED: 115-34; Sheet: 3.
- [S2] Burton Chipman Bezanson Death Notice, The Union (Grass Valley, California), 15 December 2020.
Steven Bezanson1
M, #23600, b. 30 May 1947, d. 21 March 2017
| Father* | Stanley Burton Bezanson1 b. 16 Aug 1917, d. 4 Oct 2002 |
| Mother* | Evelyn Frances Kingsley1 b. 18 Dec 1919, d. 7 Jul 2002 |
Family | Mary Katherine Van Keuren |
| Relationship | 5th great-grandson of Jean George Bezanson |
Steven Bezanson
Obituary from Star Tribune (Minneapolis, Minnesota), 26 March 2017:
Bezanson, Steven of Brooklyn Center died March 21, 2017.
Survived by wife, Mary; children, Eric (Margaret), Brandon (Nancy) and Kelin (David) Jackman; and grandchildren, Miles and Nora.
Memorial Service 10:30 am Sat., April 1 at Valley Christian Church 17297 Glacier Way, Rosemount. Interment Fort Snelling.2
Survived by wife, Mary; children, Eric (Margaret), Brandon (Nancy) and Kelin (David) Jackman; and grandchildren, Miles and Nora.
Memorial Service 10:30 am Sat., April 1 at Valley Christian Church 17297 Glacier Way, Rosemount. Interment Fort Snelling.2
| Last Edited | 27 Mar 2017 |