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Ferris BILLYOU Obituary



BILLYOU, Ferris Scott Jr.

Ferris Scott Billyou, Jr., one of New England's best known book travelers during the 1970's and 1980's, Ferris Scott Billyou died on November 15, 2012 at Avery Heights in Hartford, where he lived with his wife, Ruth. Born in Brooklyn, NY in 1926, he was a son of Mary Rose Louise (Gardner) and Ferris Scott Billyou Sr. Brooklyn left an indelible impact on Scott, as he was known, and he became a life-long advocate for the city. Scott attended the Choir School at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine and the Trinity School both in New York City. His experience at the choir school, whose students also serve as choristers for the cathedral choir, helped shape a life-long interest in music. After completing high school in 1944, Scott enrolled in the United States Navy where he served on the USS Waukesha (AKA-84), a Tolland-class attack cargo ship. The Waukesha was assigned to the Pacific Theater and on her first mission sailed to Okinawa where typhoons forced her out of the harbor to the relative safety of the sea. Eventually she sailed to Guam and then to Saipan. Her final mission was part of Operation Magic Carpet, carrying demobilized soldiers from Japan to the U.S. Following his Navy service, Scott graduated from Trinity College, Class of 1950, in Hartford where he cultivated a love of books that influenced the balance of his life. After college, Scott opened an eponymously named bookstore in Hartford. He operated the store for several years, then closed it and moved back to New York to work as a publishing sales representative, or book traveler, selling first in the mid-west and then in New York City. After a decade working as a house representative, Scott became an independent book traveler selling in New England. He spent the next three decades calling on booksellers representing a diverse range of books during a time he later called, "the golden age of bookselling." In 1968 Scott married Ruth Wilgus who survives him. He also leaves a daughter, Mary Billyou Rose, her husband, Christopher, their daughter Lucy Elizabeth; daughters Susan Gallwey, her husband Stephen, and their children of County Waterford, Ireland; and Ann Banegas, her husband Hector and their children of Montclair, NJ. He is also survived by his nieces Jean Billyou of Laguna Beach, CA, Marion Eagen of Pleasant Valley, NY, Esther Buddenhagen of San Antonio, TX and his nephew, Albert Pokrywka of Roxbury, CT.
Calling hours are Tuesday Nov. 20 at Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home, 136 South Main St., West Hartford from 4 to 6 p.m. A funeral service celebrating Scott's life will be at Grace Episcopal Church, 55 New Park Ave., Hartford 06106, on Wednesday at 10 a.m. Interment will be in Center Cemetery, Roxbury, CT at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkville Classicals Series in care of Grace Episcopal Church. For directions and online condolences, please visit www.taylorandmodeen.com.

Published by Hartford Courant from Nov. 19 to Nov. 20, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
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I hope I'm not too late for you to see this. My heartfelt condolences to all of you on your loss. Scott sold me books for many years at the Foundry Bookstore in New Haven. Although our early meetings were a little awkward (I thought he was selling me too many books, not an unusual assumption on my part at the time (I was definitely wet behind the ears), in time we developed a fond, mutual admiration society. He was very good at what he did and we had a good time together. I'm sorry he's gone.

Henry Berliner

Henry Berliner

November 28, 2012

Scott was one of the most memorable people I have ever met. Every conversation was important and sincere. Thank you, Scott. Lincoln

November 23, 2012

My deepest sympathy to you all. I have many fond memories of Scott including being taken on tours of Brooklyn with him sharing stories of his life there. He will be greatly missed.

Amy Sears

November 19, 2012

Heartfelt condolences to you all. Scott was the brother I never had, I shall miss him greatly.

Nancy Sears

November 19, 2012

Ruth, Ann, Susan, and Mary, we were saddened to hear of Scott's passing. We feel blessed that we had the opportunity to know him and hear all of his interesting stories over the years. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. May your memories of him provide comfort to you.

Chris and Deb H.

November 19, 2012

Our heartfelt sympathies in this, your time of grief.

Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home

November 19, 2012

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