SOUTH THOMASTON — Edward Matzen ‘Ed’ Slawson, 79, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, April 27, 2026 with his beloved wife and devoted cats at his side.

Born July 29, 1946 in Stamford, Connecticut to Edward Lawrence ‘Larry’ Slawson and Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Slawson (nee Haugaard), Ed grew up in Darien, Connecticut, and graduated from Darien High School, Class of 1965. Ed attended Norwalk Community College, University of Bridgeport, and the University of Connecticut, and was a U.S. Air Force veteran.

In 1974 Ed married Virginia Dejewski, the love of his life, and soon after they made their move to Maine. They embarked on what would become five decades of working together, side-by-side, in studio glass and metals. Settling in Warren, they established Brandywine Stained Glass Studios. In South Waldoboro and Rockland they formed Playing with Fire! Glassworks & Gallery. Ending up in South Thomaston, they made the midcoast their chosen home.

Ed became well-known for his boat portraits in glass—inspired by his deep appreciation of the design of the Friendship Sloop. In addition Ed collaborated with Virginia on numerous stained glass window commissions including Pen Bay Hospital, Rockport; and two ‘Maine Percent for Art’ commissions: Fifth Street School, Bangor; and Alton Elementary School, Alton.

Ed, along with son, Kim, were among the early adopters of the internet in the midcoast. Recognizing a shared interest they were drawn to computers, website design and coding, and together they formed ‘World Wide Web Design’ which produced some of the first websites for area businesses.

In 2004 the studio was re-invented in downtown Rockland as ‘Playing with Fire! Glassworks & Gallery’—a teaching studio for flameworking, jewelry, and metal, hosting workshops for visiting artists—greatly aided by Ed’s mechanical abilities and technical expertise designing and maintaining the facility. The studio was also host to many memorable (often raucous) 3-day-long ‘Glass Jams’, drawing participants from throughout New England and beyond. The camaraderie and potlucks were phenomenal, with Ed’s grilled chicken always taking a prominent spot. And no one could make a better pot of coffee.

Ed had the mind of an engineer, the heart and soul of a craftsman, and the passion of an artist. He had the innate ability to use any tool, understand systems, and mechanics, and was able to devise and/or fix just about anything. It was often said: “If Ed couldn’t fix it, he would just make another one.” He took pleasure in his ability to make the discarded useful again. He loved the idea of community “Fix-it Cafes.” Ed would ask of you: “Please, if you have a skill, take someone under your wing, and pass on what you know to the next generation.”

Ed devoted a lifetime of living, loving, and working together, side-by-side with Virginia. He loved being the best dad and grandpa he could be. He dearly loved his son, Kim, daughter in law, Robin, and his grandchildren, and was always so happy to hear of their experiences and adventures. His quiet compassion guided him steadily in life. Ed’s essence was his empathy. He believed in fairness and equality for all, and was a steadfast supporter of the GLBTQIA community. Known as the ‘Cat Whisperer,’ he had an extraordinarily deep and loving bond with all of his feline family.

Ed is survived by his wife, Virginia Slawson (nee Dejewski); son, Kim Slawson (Robin Hamann) of Owls Head, Maine; grandchildren: Abby Hamann (Noah Yeaton) of Cushing, Maine; Finn Hamann, Tristan Hamann, and Grace Hamann of Owls Head; brother, David Slawson (Kathy Tracey Slawson) of Merritt Island, Florida; niece, Jennifer McCoy of Englewood, Colorado; nephew, Jeffrey Slawson (Autumn Rabinsky) of Dunnellon, Florida; grandnephews, Finn McCoy and Liam McCoy of Englewood, Colorado; and feline companions: Wiki, Miele, Rosie, and Tangie.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Dr. Robert Merrill, Lexi and Lindsay, and to the staff of Beacon Hospice—especially Sara, and Ashlynn—for the exceptional care and kindness shown to Ed and his family during this last year, and in his final days.

To honor Ed’s memory a contribution may be made to Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Deer Isle, Maine; and Pope Memorial Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME.

There will be a celebration of Ed’s life on Saturday, June 27, 2026, 11 a.m., at First Universalist Church (UURockland), 345 Broadway, Rockland, Maine

Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/99737054716