Edward Urquhart

West Newbury - Edward Urquhart of Centreville, Virginia, passed away peacefully on April 15th, 2023, at eighty-two. Ed was born November 24th, 1940, in Hanover, New Hampshire, the youngest of 5 children. Ed grew up in West Newbury, Vermont, and graduated from Deerfield Academy in 1958. Despite living most of his life outside West Newbury, Ed’s childhood home, family, and heritage occupied a special place in his heart.

Ed attended the University of Vermont for a short period before enlisting in the U.S. Army. He married Judy Pitman in 1964, and together they raised three children. In 1965, Ed joined the CIA, launching a career that spanned three decades and provided him the opportunity to see over a hundred countries in every corner of the world. Along the way, Ed lived in Libya, the Philippines, Morocco, Spain, Germany, and Japan. He was a devoted patriot, fiercely dedicated to his work.

Ed loved the outdoors. He was an amazing downhill skier, an avid hunter, and waterskied into his 70’s. Most days, he put on running shoes and jogged 5 miles. Ed also loved projects – anything to keep him from sitting still. He loved woodworking, repairing cars, and working in the yard. He could fix anything and looked for reasons to break into his well-equipped toolbox.

In 1985, Ed married Sharon Brezovec, who shared his love of travel. Together, they developed a passion for cruises and visited exotic ports worldwide. Sharon was by Ed’s side, caring for him during the last difficult years. His last word was “Sharon”.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Urquhart and Esther Sargent Urquhart, and his sister, Margaret Hutchins. Surviving family includes Ed’s Wife, Sharon, daughter, Suzanne Harrison, two sons Steve and Ed, stepdaughter Marcella Hayes, siblings Aroline Putnam, Elaine Van De Carr, and Alexander Urquhart, grandchildren Charlie, Cody, and Caylee Rae Harrison, Catherine, and Alison Urquhart, and Daniel Ringler, Allanna Hayes, Nathaniel Hayes, and seventeen nieces and nephews.

A ceremony to honor and celebrate Ed’s life will be held on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at the West Newbury Congregational Church at 11 am. There will be a reception afterward at the church hall. Ed will be buried in his family plot in the West Newbury Cemetery.

Arrangements are in the care of Hale Funeral Home, Bradford, VT.