Helen Bezanson1
F, #23001, b. 22 December 1923, d. 1 October 2015
| Father* | Alfred Bezanson1 b. 15 Sep 1886, d. 20 Apr 1965 |
| Mother* | Elizabeth Forrestal1 d. 5 Mar 1969 |
Family | Sylvester McKinnon b. 22 Oct 1918, d. 31 May 1991 |
| Relationship | 4th great-granddaughter of Jean George Bezanson |
Helen (Bezanson) McKinnon
Image credit: Colin McKinnon
Obituary from The Calgary Herald (Calgary, Alberta), 3 October 2015:
McKINNON, Catherine Helen
December 22, 1923 - October 1, 2015
Catherine Helen McKinnon, born in 1923 in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, passed away on October 1, 2015, Calgary, Alberta.
One of three children of Elizabeth and Alfred Bezanson, she was predeceased by her brother Bernard (Jan) and sister Mary. Her husband, Sylvester McKinnon, died in 1991.
She is survived by five children: Boyd, Jane, Colin (m. Helen), Shawn and Ann Marie (m. Peter). Helen was the proud grandmother to nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
A fan of two Canadian institutions, The Bay and Birks, Helen was always impeccably dressed, and made sure her children were as well. Helen's mother Bessie was well known for her lemon pie and her sense of humour, and Helen carried on the tradition of baking and mirth. Everything she did she did well: Helen was a great cook, a sly bridge player, beautiful gardener and, to some irritation, one of best golfers in the family. When she took painting lessons, her first painting revealed that she excelled at that too. Helen loved Christmas. Her grandchildren will remember her for making toys in the basement, putting Christmas trees in every room, and Nana kisses. Her children will remember her for her love of a wee bit of Drambuie on Christmas Eve.
There will be a celebration of life for Helen at Earl Grey Golf Club on Friday, November 6, 2015 from 5 to 7:30 p.m.2
December 22, 1923 - October 1, 2015
Catherine Helen McKinnon, born in 1923 in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, passed away on October 1, 2015, Calgary, Alberta.
One of three children of Elizabeth and Alfred Bezanson, she was predeceased by her brother Bernard (Jan) and sister Mary. Her husband, Sylvester McKinnon, died in 1991.
She is survived by five children: Boyd, Jane, Colin (m. Helen), Shawn and Ann Marie (m. Peter). Helen was the proud grandmother to nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
A fan of two Canadian institutions, The Bay and Birks, Helen was always impeccably dressed, and made sure her children were as well. Helen's mother Bessie was well known for her lemon pie and her sense of humour, and Helen carried on the tradition of baking and mirth. Everything she did she did well: Helen was a great cook, a sly bridge player, beautiful gardener and, to some irritation, one of best golfers in the family. When she took painting lessons, her first painting revealed that she excelled at that too. Helen loved Christmas. Her grandchildren will remember her for making toys in the basement, putting Christmas trees in every room, and Nana kisses. Her children will remember her for her love of a wee bit of Drambuie on Christmas Eve.
There will be a celebration of life for Helen at Earl Grey Golf Club on Friday, November 6, 2015 from 5 to 7:30 p.m.2
| Last Edited | 2 Jun 2016 |
Sylvester McKinnon1,2
M, #23002, b. 22 October 1918, d. 31 May 1991
Family | Helen Bezanson b. 22 Dec 1923, d. 1 Oct 2015 |
Sylvester McKinnon
Image credit: Colin McKinnon
Obituary:
McKINNON - Lt. Col. Sylvester McKinnon D.S.O. passed away at the Holy Cross Hospital on May 31, 1991 at the age of 72 years.
"Syl" is survived by his beloved wife Helen and their five children, Boyd, Jane, Colin (Helen), Shawn and Ann Marie and six grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters and three brothers.
Born in Sydney, Cape Breton, and educated at Sydney Academy, Syl joined the Canadian Army in 1941 as an officer candidate. He went overseas in 1943 as a Lieutenant and was later signed to the Cape Breton Highlanders Regiment of the Fifth Armoured Division. He saw considerable action in Italy and later in North West Europe upon the formation of the First Canadian Army. Syl was promoted several times in the field; he was at war's end the Commanding Officer of the Cape Breton Highlanders and awarded the D.S.O. for gallantry.
Following the war, he entered Dalhousie Law School, Halifax, graduating in 1950 when he was admitted to the Nova Scotia Bar. He then moved to Calgary in 1951, working for Canadian Delhi, later joining the Mannix group of companies and was serving as Vice President, Corporate Affairs for Manalta Coal Ltd. at the time of his retirement in August 1990.
Mr. McKinnon was a former President of the R.A.U.S.I. and former Chairman for the Southern Alberta of the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires. He was a long time member of the Canadian Petroleum Club and the Earl Grey Golf Club.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Name Catholic Church on Wednesday, June 5, 1991 at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Stanley A. Henke Celebrant. Interment to follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. Arrangements in care of McInnis & Holloway Funeral Home.3
"Syl" is survived by his beloved wife Helen and their five children, Boyd, Jane, Colin (Helen), Shawn and Ann Marie and six grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters and three brothers.
Born in Sydney, Cape Breton, and educated at Sydney Academy, Syl joined the Canadian Army in 1941 as an officer candidate. He went overseas in 1943 as a Lieutenant and was later signed to the Cape Breton Highlanders Regiment of the Fifth Armoured Division. He saw considerable action in Italy and later in North West Europe upon the formation of the First Canadian Army. Syl was promoted several times in the field; he was at war's end the Commanding Officer of the Cape Breton Highlanders and awarded the D.S.O. for gallantry.
Following the war, he entered Dalhousie Law School, Halifax, graduating in 1950 when he was admitted to the Nova Scotia Bar. He then moved to Calgary in 1951, working for Canadian Delhi, later joining the Mannix group of companies and was serving as Vice President, Corporate Affairs for Manalta Coal Ltd. at the time of his retirement in August 1990.
Mr. McKinnon was a former President of the R.A.U.S.I. and former Chairman for the Southern Alberta of the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires. He was a long time member of the Canadian Petroleum Club and the Earl Grey Golf Club.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Name Catholic Church on Wednesday, June 5, 1991 at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Stanley A. Henke Celebrant. Interment to follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. Arrangements in care of McInnis & Holloway Funeral Home.3
Obituary:
Sylvester MacKinnon, DSO 72, Alberta
Retired Lt. Col. Sylvester MacKinnon, 72, of Calgary, Alta., formerly of Sydney, died Saturday, June 1, 1991 in Alberta.
Born in Sydney, he was the son of the late John Ambrose and Agnes (Currie) MacKinnon. Mr. MacKinnon was the last commanding officer of the Cape Breton Highlanders during the Second World War. Prior to the war he worked for Canadian National Railway. He returned from overseas with the regiment after hostilities ended. Following his overseas service, he obtained a law degree from Dalhousie University and embarked on a long legal career in Alberta.
Mr. MacKinnon is survived by his wife, the former Helen Bezanson, three sons, Boyd, Toronto, Colin and Shawn, both of Calgary, two daughters, Jane and Ann Marie, both of Calgary, his sisters, Mary (Mrs. Charles Morley), East Bay, Catherine (Mrs. Fred MacDonald), Sydney River and Jessie, Sydney, his brothers, Father John MacKinnon, Bridgeport, Danny, and Bernard, both of Sydney and several grandchildren.
He was predeceased by brothers, John Alex, Alexander and one infant brother, James.
The funeral service will take place in Calgary, Alberta on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.4
Retired Lt. Col. Sylvester MacKinnon, 72, of Calgary, Alta., formerly of Sydney, died Saturday, June 1, 1991 in Alberta.
Born in Sydney, he was the son of the late John Ambrose and Agnes (Currie) MacKinnon. Mr. MacKinnon was the last commanding officer of the Cape Breton Highlanders during the Second World War. Prior to the war he worked for Canadian National Railway. He returned from overseas with the regiment after hostilities ended. Following his overseas service, he obtained a law degree from Dalhousie University and embarked on a long legal career in Alberta.
Mr. MacKinnon is survived by his wife, the former Helen Bezanson, three sons, Boyd, Toronto, Colin and Shawn, both of Calgary, two daughters, Jane and Ann Marie, both of Calgary, his sisters, Mary (Mrs. Charles Morley), East Bay, Catherine (Mrs. Fred MacDonald), Sydney River and Jessie, Sydney, his brothers, Father John MacKinnon, Bridgeport, Danny, and Bernard, both of Sydney and several grandchildren.
He was predeceased by brothers, John Alex, Alexander and one infant brother, James.
The funeral service will take place in Calgary, Alberta on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.4
| Last Edited | 2 Jun 2016 |
Citations
- [S2] Catherine Helen McKinnon Death Notice, The Calgary Herald (Calgary, Alberta), 3 October 2015.
- [S1] Dorothy Evans, Bezansons from Nova Scotia, 180.
- [S2] Sylvester McKinnon Death Notice.
- [S2] Sylvester McKinnon Death Notice, alternate obituary with surname spelling variation (MacKinnon versus McKinnon) and incorrect death date.
Mary Evelyn Bezanson1
F, #23003, b. 14 September 1926, d. 21 December 2002
| Father* | Alfred Bezanson1 b. 15 Sep 1886, d. 20 Apr 1965 |
| Mother* | Elizabeth Forrestal1 d. 5 Mar 1969 |
Family | W.A. Brown |
| Relationship | 4th great-granddaughter of Jean George Bezanson |
Mary Evelyn Bezanson was also known as Tiny Bezanson.2 She was born on 14 September 1926.2 She married W.A. Brown.1,2 Mary Evelyn Bezanson lived in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.1 She died on 21 December 2002 at her home, Halifax, Nova Scotia, at age 76.2
Obituary from The Halifax Herald (Halifax, Nova Scotia), 27 December 2002:
Obituary from The Halifax Herald (Halifax, Nova Scotia), 27 December 2002:
BROWN, Mary E. "Tiny" - 76, Halifax, passed away peacefully at her residence among friends December 21, 2002. Visitation will be held in J.A. Snow Funeral Home, Windsor Street, Halifax, Sunday, 2-4, 7-9 p.m.
Mary, "Tiny" to her family, was born September 14, 1926, the daughter of the late Alfred and Bessie Bezanson (New Glasgow). She was formerly married to Bill Brown of Sydney. Mary was a homemaker and later worked for the former Victoria General Hospital.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Bernie.
She is survived by her sister, Helen McKinnon, Calgary; her son, Neil Brown, Sackville; her daughter, Holly Francis, Arlington, Tex; grandchildren, Michael Francis and Jessica Francis.
Mary will be deeply missed by her family and many friends in Halifax.2
Mary, "Tiny" to her family, was born September 14, 1926, the daughter of the late Alfred and Bessie Bezanson (New Glasgow). She was formerly married to Bill Brown of Sydney. Mary was a homemaker and later worked for the former Victoria General Hospital.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Bernie.
She is survived by her sister, Helen McKinnon, Calgary; her son, Neil Brown, Sackville; her daughter, Holly Francis, Arlington, Tex; grandchildren, Michael Francis and Jessica Francis.
Mary will be deeply missed by her family and many friends in Halifax.2
| Last Edited | 8 May 2015 |
William Bernard Bezanson1,2
M, #23005, b. 20 March 1921, d. 1978
| Father* | Alfred Bezanson2 b. 15 Sep 1886, d. 20 Apr 1965 |
| Mother* | Elizabeth Forrestal2 d. 5 Mar 1969 |
Family | H. Jeannette MacWilliam b. 23 May 1926, d. 28 Jun 2021 |
| Relationship | 4th great-grandson of Jean George Bezanson |
William Bernard Bezanson was born on 20 March 1921 at Stellarton, Nova Scotia.1,3 He married H. Jeannette MacWilliam.3 William Bernard Bezanson lived in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia.2 He died in 1978.3
| Last Edited | 28 Nov 2023 |
Citations
- [S12] Nova Scotia Archives and Records Management (NSARM), "Birth Registrations", William Bernard Bezanson; Date: 20 March 1921; Place: Stellarton, Pictou County; Registration Year: 1921; Number: 99000224; Father: Alfred Bezanson; Mother: Elizabeth Forrestall, a delayed entry recorded 18 July 1956.
- [S1] Dorothy Evans, Bezansons from Nova Scotia, 180.
- [S836] Various Contributors, "Find A Grave", William Bernard Bezanson, Heatherdale Memorial Gardens, Westville, Pictou County, Nova Scotia; Memorial Number: 144274456.
Jenny O'Handley1
F, #23006, b. circa 1910, d. 22 June 1999
| Father* | John O'Handley1 |
| Mother* | Rose Gardiner1 |
Family | Ralph Edwin Bezanson b. 7 Jun 1909, d. b 22 Jun 1999 |
| Child |
|
Jenny O'Handley was born circa 1910 at New Waterford, Nova Scotia.2 She married Ralph Edwin Bezanson.2 Jenny O'Handley died on 22 June 1999 at 7 Crescent Drive, Glace Bay, Nova Scotia.2 She was buried on 25 June 1999 in Forerst Haven Memorial Gardens, Sydney, Nova Scotia.2
Obituary:
Obituary:
Jennie Bezanson, 89, of 7 Crescent Dr., Glace Bay, passed away peacefully at her residence Tuesday, June 22, 1999.
Born in New Waterford, she was the daughter of the late John and Rose (Gardiner) O’Handley. Mrs. Bezanson was an adherent of the United Baptist Church, Glace Bay. She was also a member of the Jubilee Rebekah Lodge No. 14, Glace Bay, for over 50 years. Mrs. Bezanson was one of the original employees with the T. Eaton Co. in New Waterford and was later employed at the Cape Breton Hospital.
She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Shirley Campbell, with whom she resided, Norma (Mrs. Wilson “Mac” MacLean), Athens, Ont; one brother, Gussie, Ontario; a sister, Olive McCormick, River Ryan.
Also surviving are four grandchildren, Brenda, Craig, Ralph and Shirley; seven great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Georgie Robb, Sydney.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Ralph, three brothers, James, Aloysius and Russell, a sister, Annie Cummings.
Visitation will be in the V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve St., Glace Bay, Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service will be held Friday, 2 p.m., from the funeral home chapel with Rev. John Hannem officiating. Burial will be in Forest Haven Memorial Gardens.
Members of the Rebekah Lodge are asked to meet Thursday, 7:30 p.m. in the funeral home for lodge services.3
Born in New Waterford, she was the daughter of the late John and Rose (Gardiner) O’Handley. Mrs. Bezanson was an adherent of the United Baptist Church, Glace Bay. She was also a member of the Jubilee Rebekah Lodge No. 14, Glace Bay, for over 50 years. Mrs. Bezanson was one of the original employees with the T. Eaton Co. in New Waterford and was later employed at the Cape Breton Hospital.
She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Shirley Campbell, with whom she resided, Norma (Mrs. Wilson “Mac” MacLean), Athens, Ont; one brother, Gussie, Ontario; a sister, Olive McCormick, River Ryan.
Also surviving are four grandchildren, Brenda, Craig, Ralph and Shirley; seven great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Georgie Robb, Sydney.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Ralph, three brothers, James, Aloysius and Russell, a sister, Annie Cummings.
Visitation will be in the V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve St., Glace Bay, Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service will be held Friday, 2 p.m., from the funeral home chapel with Rev. John Hannem officiating. Burial will be in Forest Haven Memorial Gardens.
Members of the Rebekah Lodge are asked to meet Thursday, 7:30 p.m. in the funeral home for lodge services.3
| Last Edited | 27 Feb 2015 |
Muriel Ellen Bezanson1,2
F, #23014, b. 8 February 1920, d. 19 November 1997
| Father* | William Edward Bezanson2 b. 5 May 1895, d. 21 Dec 1979 |
| Mother* | Annie Thompson2 b. 11 Dec 1896, d. 1993 |
Family | Benedict Griffin b. c 1915 |
| Child |
|
| Relationship | 4th great-granddaughter of Jean George Bezanson |
Muriel Ellen Bezanson was born on 8 February 1920 at Cross Roads, Country Harbour, Nova Scotia.1,3 She married Benedict Griffin on 8 February 1938 at Timmins, Ontario. She was 18.3,2 Muriel Ellen Bezanson died on 19 November 1997 at Belleville General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, at age 77.4
Obituary from The Toronto Star (Toronto, Ontario), 26 November 1997:
Obituary from The Toronto Star (Toronto, Ontario), 26 November 1997:
GRIFFIN, Muriel Ellen (nee Bezanson) - Passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 19, 1997 in the Belleville General Hospital.
She was in her 77th year and is survived by her husband of 60 years, Ben Griffin of Belleville and her son Terry Griffin and daughter-in-law Joy of Oakville.
She was predeceased by her loving daughter, Sue Keay and is survived by her son-in-law Ron Keay of Collingwood.
She will always be remembered and sorely missed by her grandchildren Kimberlea, Melissa, Erin, Cheryl, Jackie, Gary and Stacey and her great-grandchildren Ben, Shelby, Laura, Mitchell, Scott and Tessa. Also surviving Muriel are her brothers and sisters, Beulah, Dorothy, John, Steve and Moira.
Our deepest gratitude goes lo the wonderful people at the Belleville General Hospital who were genuinely concerned and caring throughout this tragedy.
A Memorial will be held for friends and family lo say our good-byes at 1 p.m., December 6th at the home of her son at 2294 Moodie Court, Oakville.
Words connot convey how much her love, kindness ond laughter enriched all of our lives and her passing will leave a place of emptiness in each and every heart that she touched.5
She was in her 77th year and is survived by her husband of 60 years, Ben Griffin of Belleville and her son Terry Griffin and daughter-in-law Joy of Oakville.
She was predeceased by her loving daughter, Sue Keay and is survived by her son-in-law Ron Keay of Collingwood.
She will always be remembered and sorely missed by her grandchildren Kimberlea, Melissa, Erin, Cheryl, Jackie, Gary and Stacey and her great-grandchildren Ben, Shelby, Laura, Mitchell, Scott and Tessa. Also surviving Muriel are her brothers and sisters, Beulah, Dorothy, John, Steve and Moira.
Our deepest gratitude goes lo the wonderful people at the Belleville General Hospital who were genuinely concerned and caring throughout this tragedy.
A Memorial will be held for friends and family lo say our good-byes at 1 p.m., December 6th at the home of her son at 2294 Moodie Court, Oakville.
Words connot convey how much her love, kindness ond laughter enriched all of our lives and her passing will leave a place of emptiness in each and every heart that she touched.5
| Last Edited | 1 Jan 2024 |
Citations
- [S12] Nova Scotia Archives and Records Management (NSARM), "Birth Registrations", Muriel Ellen Bezanson; Date: 08 February 1920; Place: Cross Roads, Country Harbour, Guysborough County; Registration Year: 1920; Number: 99000639; Father: William E. Bezanson; Mother: Annie Thompson, a delayed entry recorded 23 July 1973.
- [S1] Dorothy Evans, Bezansons from Nova Scotia, 181.
- [S857] Archives of Ontario, "Ontario, Canada, Marriages, 1826-1938", Muriel Bezanson; Benedict Griffin; Date: 8 February 1938; Marriage Place: Timmins, Cochrane, Ontario.
- [S2] Muriel Ellen (Bezanson) Griffin Death Notice, The Toronto Star (Toronto, Ontario), 26 November 1997, p. 76.
- [S2] Muriel Ellen (Bezanson) Griffin Death Notice, The Toronto Star (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), 26 November 1997, p. 76.
Dorothy Viola Bezanson1,2
F, #23016, b. 20 February 1921
| Father* | William Edward Bezanson2 b. 5 May 1895, d. 21 Dec 1979 |
| Mother* | Annie Thompson2 b. 11 Dec 1896, d. 1993 |
Family | Arthur Greenwood Hanson |
| Relationship | 4th great-granddaughter of Jean George Bezanson |
Dorothy Viola Bezanson was born on 20 February 1921 at Antigonish, Nova Scotia.1,2 She married Arthur Greenwood Hanson on 24 June 1939 at Timmons, Ontario. She was 18.3,2
| Last Edited | 28 Nov 2023 |
Citations
- [S12] Nova Scotia Archives and Records Management (NSARM), "Birth Registrations", Dorothy Viola Bezanson; Date: 20 February 1921; Place: Antigonish, Antigonish County; Registration Year: 1921; Number: 66800305; Father: William Edward Bezanson; Mother: Annie Thompson.
- [S1] Dorothy Evans, Bezansons from Nova Scotia, 181.
- [S857] Archives of Ontario, "Ontario, Canada, Marriages, 1826-1938", Dorothy Viola Bezanson; Arthur Greenwood Hanson; Date: 24 June 1939; Marriage Place: Timmins, Cochrane, Ontario.
William Edward Bezanson1
M, #23020
| Father* | William Edward Bezanson1 b. 5 May 1895, d. 21 Dec 1979 |
| Mother* | Annie Thompson1 b. 11 Dec 1896, d. 1993 |
| Relationship | 4th great-grandson of Jean George Bezanson |
William Edward Bezanson declared bankruptcy twice, in 1935 and 1955.2,3
He lived in Timmins, Ontario.1
He lived in Timmins, Ontario.1| Last Edited | 18 Apr 2014 |