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Bennett Hallum (Hal) Eskesen Jr., a writer whose works included a local newspaper column and poetry in his self-published book "Scarecrow," died Thursday at Norwalk Hospital. He was 62.
Eskesen was cited in 1965 by the New Canaan Advertiser as one of the outstanding members of New Canaan High School's senior class and was an honors student. He served as president of the school's Student Council and the Lettermen's Club. Eskesen also ran for the school track team, winning a state championship in cross-country. Eskesen majored in East Asian Studies at Harvard University, graduating in 1969. He later attended graduate school at the University of California at Berkeley. Upon returning to New Canaan, he began a literary career as a poet and essayist. He wrote weekly columns for the Stamford Advocate, featuring freewheeling commentary on his life, his hometown and the world at large.
Eskesen later edited and published "Scarecrow," a periodical featuring his poems and paintings. He also wrote a poem every Christmas in honor of the holiday season that he mailed to his friends. His last piece was a nostalgic essay in the Harvard Crimson to address a graduating class. Although he lived in Norwalk in his later years, he kept in touch with friends and former neighbors in New Canaan.
He is survived by sisters Elaine and Sage; and nieces and nephews Emily Davey, Dylan Davey, Eric Schuldenfrei, Robin Schuldenfrei and Olive Jones.
A memorial service will be held Oct. 23 in conjunction with the New Canaan High School Class of 1965 reunion. In lieu of flowers, Eskesen's family requests that memorial donations be made to the New Canaan Library, 151 Main St., New Canaan, CT 06840.
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