Obituary of Edward Betz

Edward E. Betz Jr. passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 17th after a brief illness. Edward, a lifelong Cincinnati resident, was the son of Edward and Clara Betz. He attended Hughes High School and then served as an Army photographer in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War II. Following the war he moved to New York City where he worked as a teen fashion photographer. Upon returning to Cincinnati, he earned a degree in Fine Arts from The University of Cincinnati. This was followed by an impressive career spanning forty years with Marsh, Inc. During this time he worked with many of Cincinnati's leading designers and art directors to create award-winning national advertising photography. This included food photography for Proctor and Gamble food brands, as well as creating national advertising campaign photography and supplying promotional and packaging photography for client on both coasts, including Denny's, Wendy's, Long John Silvers and Hardee's. Throughout his career, Edward shared his passion and expertise with others by giving lectures and teaching photography at the College of Mount St. Joseph, University of Cincinnati, and the Art Academy of Cincinnati. He also started the photography program for the Baker Hunt Foundation, a non-profit community art school for adults and children in northern Kentucky. He judged many photographic competitions, including the Eastman Kodak National Award contest. Edward was active with many organizations, including the Art Directors Club of Cincinnati and the MacDowell Society, a premier national cultural society for the arts. He served on the board of the Camping and Educational Foundation, The Cincinnati Ballet, the Baker Hunt Foundation, the Home Federal Bank, the Eastman Kodak Student Award Program and the Photography Division of Scholastic Magazine. His love of both nature and education was reflected in his co-founding the Kee Way Din ski club in Cincinnati, and his involvement with the Ogichi Daa Kwe/Kooch-I-Ching camps in International Falls, Minnesota. He was an avid supporter of The University of Cincinnati and a member of the esteemed Order of The Black Blazer. He was also a member of the Gyro Club and Cincinnati Country Club. He was predeceased in life by his twin brother, Howard L. Betz. He is survived by his sister, Marion Merten (Harold), cousin Janet Larimer of Bellbrook, Ohio, nephews Skip Merten (Lane), Doug Betz (Judy) and by his niece Susan Roberts (John) and Jane E. Betz of Cleveland, OH. He is also survived by many loving great nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at Thomas-Justin Memorial, 7500 Montgomery Road (45236), on Wednesday, June 20th, from 4-7pm. The funeral will be held at the convenience of the family. Donations can be made to the Gyro Club Foundation, c/o The University Club, 401 E. 4th Street, Cincinnati (45202) or to Camp Kooch-I-Ching, Camping and Educational Foundation, 3515 Michigan Ave., Cincinnati (45208). Condolences may be shared at www.ThomasJustinMemorial.com