    
ernie
Senior Member
Username: ernie
Post Number: 2472
Registered: 01-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, August 12, 2018 - 07:57 am: | 
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Ed Bezanson passed away last Monday August 6th 2018. Many of you may have known Ed as Connecticut Yankee Tractor for his "T" shirts. I think he did the Mystic Seaport Engine Expo shirts for a few years.
Ed was a good friend for almost the last 40 years.
My condolences to his family.
I will miss him.
Ernie Darrow
His obituary is below.
Edwin C. Bezanson, age 76 of Waterford, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 6, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Ellen Williams Bezanson. Born in New London on February 26, 1942, he was the son of the late Arthur and Laura Edwards Bezanson. He was recently predeceased by his brother, Alvin Bezanson, also of Waterford.
A proud member of the first graduating class of Waterford High School in 1960, Ed later obtained his teaching degree while attending Mitchell College, where he met his wife, Ellen. Prior to attending Mitchell, his selfless service to the U.S. Naval Construction Battalion ("Seabees") laid the foundation for his obsession with history. After leaving the service, he continued his education at the University of Connecticut and Central Connecticut State College. Also notable, is Ed's early employment at Comeries Landscaping in Mystic which fueled his lifelong passion for working with the earth, operating equipment and his unique talent for building stone walls. After two years teaching at New London High School, he spent 27 years at Fitch Senior High School in Groton, where he taught both auto mechanics and industrial arts until his retirement in 1997.
He was a voracious reader of historical novels and had a devotion for writing and sharing his knowledge with others. For 29 years, Ed wrote a quarterly, featured column for Antique Power magazine called, The Yankee�s Attic; which discussed unique tractor photos from his vast ephemera collection. His love and knowledge lead to the publication of his first book entitled "Fordson Accessory Guide." He was in the process of a second compendium at the time of his passing.
Another significant life event occurred in 1982, after overcoming a serious health struggle, when Ed was given an old tractor from a friend. From this introduction, Ed established his business Connecticut Yankee Tractor, where he was the sole designer and producer of custom tractor t-shirts that he sold worldwide. This business took him throughout the country in his camper where he attended tractor and equipment shows with his family who shared his growing enthusiasm for antique equipment. Additionally, he was a founding member of the Quinebaug Valley Engineers and a driving force behind the acquisition and development of Zagray Farm Museum in Colchester, CT. Ed was also a lifetime member of the Cohanzie Fire Department of Waterford.
Ed was a driven but selfless man, who was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. He was a world traveler who had a love of life and his belief that, �time is the only scarce commodity, and one should use it wisely,� speaks to his legacy. A loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his beloved wife and best friend Ellen of 48 years, other survivors include his loving sons, Peter Bezanson and his wife Elizabeth of Baltic; Marc Bezanson and his wife Melissa of Salem; and four cherished grandchildren, Brendan, Natalie, Patrick and Myles.
A celebration of Ed�s life will be held at the Zagray Farm, 544 Amston Rd., Colchester on Saturday, August 18, 2018 beginning at 10:00 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Casual attire per Ed�s request. Interment will be held privately at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Hospice Care of Southeastern Connecticut, 227 Dunham St., Norwich, CT 06360 or the Zagray Farm, c/o 180 S. Plumb Road, Middletown, CT 06457A celebration of Ed�s life will be held at the Zagray Farm, 544 Amston Rd., Colchester on Saturday, August 18, 2018 beginning at 10:00 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Casual attire per Ed�s request. Interment will be held privately at the convenience of the family |
