Ronald Scott Bezanson Jr.

Chaplain Ronald S. Bezanson (Colonel, US Army, retired) passed away on May 7, 2020 in Fairfax, Virginia after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease, complicated by a final battle with COVID-19. Ron or Scotty, to childhood friends, was born on October 28, 1936 in Laconia, New Hampshire to the late Reverend Ronald Bezanson, Sr and Avis (Preble) Bezanson. He was 83 years old at the time of his passing. Ron was a loving spouse, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, as well as friend and mentor to many.

Ron’s childhood family moved a number of times as his father served as pastor to Advent Christian church communities in New York and Maine before settling in Los Angeles, California. After high school, he moved on to Aurora College in Aurora, IL where he received his Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Theology and met his wife of 49 years, Mary Jo (Arthur) Bezanson. While working and becoming a father, Ron earned a Masters in Divinity from Evangelical Theological Seminary. Like his father and grandfather before him, Ron was ordained as an Advent Christian minister in May 1962, and joined the military later that year.

Ron served as an active duty military chaplain for 30 years with assignments in Missouri, Kansas, Germany, New York City, Colorado, Texas, Washington, DC and Hawaii. He received his Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Texas and put his degree to use as an instructor at the Chaplains’ School and at the Chief of Chaplains’ Office. In other roles, he served as the Battalion and Brigade Chaplain with the 1st Cavalry Division (Korea, Vietnam), Division Chaplain with the 2nd Infantry Division, (Korea), and Deputy Staff Chaplain Air Defense Command. In Hawaii, Ron served at Western Command, Fort Shafter, as a Staff Chaplain at Tripler Army Medical Center, and as pastor to the Fort DeRussey Chapel on Waikiki beach, one of his most treasured callings. Ron retired in 1992, at the rank of Colonel, having been awarded 2 Legions of Merit, 3 Bronze Starts, 9 Air Medals, 3 Meritorious Service Medals, and 3 Army Commendation Medals.

Ron was busy in his Hawaiian retirement, serving on an interim basis at Queens Hospital in Honolulu and at Castle Medical Center and Christ Church Uniting in Kailua, as well as acting as endorsing agent for the Advent Christian Church. He served as an active Pastor Emeritus at the Fort DeRussey Chapel, continuing to conduct services, perform weddings and funerals, visit hospitals and homes, and he continued to work with the Military Officers Association of America, earning their Doleman Award in 2011 in recognition of sustained volunteer service to the community. He was recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award from Aurora University in 1999, and with an award for Continuous and Faithful Ministry to the Fort DeRussey Chapel Congregation from the Army Chief of Chaplains.

When not working, Ron enjoyed camping with his family at a summer getaway in the Colorado mountains, visiting friends and relatives across the country, eating licorice flavored scotty dog candies, singing, theater, and travel. He and Mary Jo visited all 50 states as well as Australia, New Zealand, and several places in Europe.

In his final years, Ron lived at the Virginian Retirement Community in Fairfax, Virginia where he made many great friends with staff and residents alike. In addition to being a regular participant in the worship community there, he was well known for his singing—be it hymns, show tunes, or folk songs. He was always ready to lead the assembled group in song, and could be counted on to remember all the verses!

Ron is survived by his four children Deborah (Douglas), Rebecca (Ed), Timothy (Connie), and Angela; brother Walter; three grandchildren Laura, Andrew, and Kaye; and one great-grandchild Matthew. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Mary Jo, his brother Alfred, and his parents Ronald Scott Sr., and Avis.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared here.

Burial will be held at Arlington Cemetery on September 17, 2020 at 9 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Washington National Cathedral, the Advent Christian Village in Dowling Park Florida, or to Aurora University.