Person Page - 1084

BEZANSON, Murray Stephen - Editor of the Berwick Register from 1946 to 1975 passed away peacefully on the evening of March 17, 2007, in Valley Regional Hospital, surrounded by his family. Murray was born in Berwick on December 1, 1918, the son of the late Stephen and Winnifred (Rafuse) Bezanson. He grew up and attended school in Berwick before training as a printer. He worked for McCurdy Print in Halifax for 10 years before returning to Berwick with his wife, the late Joan (Scott) Bezanson to enter into partnership with Joan's father, John Scott, publishing the Berwick Register. After the death of Mr. Scott and his wife Hilda (Hatt) Scott, Murray and Joan became the owners and publishers until their retirement in 1975. Murray took an active part in community affairs, serving a four year term on the Berwick Town Council, and was a member of the Board of Trade. He also was a member of the Berwick Lions Club and the IOOF and Masonic Lodges. After their retirement Murray and Joan moved to their home in Harbourville where Murray continued to be an active and much loved member of the community. He was an adherent and treasurer of Harbourville United Church for many years. Murray enjoyed pursuing his many interests and hobbies after retirement. He was a skilled carpenter creating many beautiful pieces of furniture and dulcimers which continue to grace the homes of his children. Gardening was another of his many joys and talents and he was a brave and successful beekeeper. His grandchildren also gave him much joy and contentment throughout these years of retirement. Murray was saddened by the sudden death of his wife, Joan, on December 20, 1987. Although in deteriorating health in recent years, he was able to remain in his home with the assistance of his daughter, Mary McIsaac and her husband Mark and son Ayden. Murray fell ill early Friday morning and was taken to Valley Regional Hospital. He was able to spend his final two days with his family, frequently smiling and acknowledging their presence before passing away quietly on Saturday evening.

Murray is survived by his children, son, Donald and his wife Jacqueline de Mestral Bezanson of Halifax and Harbourville, and their children, Louise, Alexandre and Andre; daughter, Margaret and her partner Gabriel Carrera of Toronto, and their children, Adela and Gabriella; and daughter, Mary McIsaac and her husband Mark and son Ayden of Harbourville. Cremation has taken place under the care of Serenity Funeral Home of Port Williams with interment of the ashes with his wife in Berwick Cemetery. A service to celebrate his life will take place in Harbourville United Church on Thursday, March 22, at 3 p.m., with Rev. Kay Deane officiating and Jack Bearden of Harbourville assisting. A reception will follow in Harbourville Community Hall.⁵

NEWELL, Gertrude Pat - 70, Fredericton, N.B., died November 20, 1992, in Everett Chalmers Hospital, Fredericton.

Born in Berwick, she was a daughter of the late Stephen and Winnifred (Rafuse) Bezanson. She was postmaster at Carlisle Post Office, Ontario for many years, moving to Fredericton upon retirement.

She is survived by her husband, Wilton; two daughters, Glenna (Mrs. David Richardson), Fredericton; Beth, Ontario; two sons, Robert, Fredericton; David, Ontario; seven grandchildren; brother, Murray S., Harbourville.

She was predeceased by a brother, Ray. Funeral was held November 22 in 7th Day Adventist Church, Fredericton. Burial was in Douglas Rural Cemetery, Fredericton.⁴

GATES, Mabel Gertrude - 80, lifelong resident of Forties, Lunenburg Co., died September 4, 1996, in Fishermen's Memorial Hospital, Lunenburg.

Born in Forties, she was a daughter of the late Bernard and Effie (Bezanson) Hiltz. She was a member of St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Forties.

Surviving are daughter, Colleen, Forties; son, Layton, Halifax; four grandchildren; a great-granddaughter.

She was predeceased by her husband, L. Clyde Gates.

Funeral 10:30 a.m. today in St. Augustine's Anglican Church, Forties, Rev. Gordon Neish officiating. Burial in the Anglican cemetery, Forties.²