Harold Rodney Edwards

Harold Rodney Edwards (Hal) was born in Collinsville CT in 1935.  He was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 19th at age 83.  He passed peacefully at home, surrounded by family.

Hal was a man of strong faith, believing in the power and strength of Jesus Christ’s love and the beauty of peace that awaited him after his passing.  He was passionate about sharing his salvation story with others and was a deacon at Nepaug Congregational Church for several years.

He was predeceased by his parents, James and Florence (Barden) Edwards, his brother James and his son in law Rick Lenkowski, Jr.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Janice (Lockwood) Edwards and his 4 children Sera (Lincoln) Taylor, Glenn Edwards, Dana (Ellen) Edwards and Martha (Richard) Moak.  He is also survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren:  Amanda (Matt) Johnson, Austin, Lily and Isaac; Joshua (Erin) Grover, Isobel, Meta, Adelaide and Eamon; Luke (Christine) Edwards; Thea (Anthony) Bissell and Uriah (Megan) Edwards.  Additionally, he is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews including his niece Millis Buckley who has given countless hours of love and support to both Hal and Jan.

By trade Hal was a gifted precision tool and die maker for 42 years, but his great love of life spilled over into many other areas.  Anything with an engine held his interest including motorcycles, cars and antique gas engines of which he had many over the years.  He loved a good rip roaring thunderstorm and was a bit of a mad scientist, creating custom fireworks with his brother in law George, which delighted family and friends for annual 4th of July celebrations.  He was a talented, self taught musician and played guitar, accordion, harmonica and the Jew’s harp joyously.  He had a great appreciation for music, especially classical, bluegrass, gospel and barbershop.  Additionally, he was accomplished at clock repair and restoration and enjoyed bringing treasured family heirlooms back to life.  Hal loved the outdoors and the homestead that he built for his family.  He was a caring, hands on father who raised his children to be creative, strong, self sufficient adults.

Above all, Hal had a loving Christian heart for people and animals alike.  He was a vegetarian for most of his life and rescued many animals over the years.  He would help anyone in need and had a special affinity for children, the elderly and animals of all types.  He was a lifelong blood donor and opened the doors of his heart and home over the years to numerous people including 2 foster children.  Hal’s compassion and kindness were witnessed by everyone he met and he was loved by many.  He will be greatly missed and always remembered.

Hal’s family would like to thank the Torrington branch of the VNS for their outstanding care during his long illness.  Their compassion and quality of care went above and beyond and made it possible for Hal to remain at home.

A celebration of Hal’s life will be held at First Congregational Church of Thomaston, 135 Main St., Thomaston, CT on Saturday, August 25, 2018, at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Hal’s honor to:  Crisis Pregnancy Center Inc., 30 Mill St., #21, Unionville, CT 06085 or to the First Congregational Church of Thomaston, 135 Main St., Thomaston, CT 06787 or to Flora’s Pet Project, 38 Fairview Avenue, Naugatuck, CT 06770.

“See, I am sending an angel ahead of you, to guard you along the way and bring you to the place I have prepared.”  Exodus 23:20