JOHN CHARLES BESSEY

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JOHN CHARLES BESSEY (W.O. RET. (C.D.) March 8, 1920 - March 17, 2003 On March 17, 2003 at Grace General Hospital, our beloved husband, dad, grandfather ("Baba"), brother, uncle and friend passed peacefully away at age 83. Jack was predeceased by his parents Stuart and Nellie Bessey; sisters, Ruth, Eileen, Doreen and brother Loran; brothers-in-law, Bert Johnstone, Donald Anderson and Don Wilson. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 58 years, Tillie (Anderson) beloved daughter Jill (Lolly), son-in-law Lorne Davies; grandsons, Jonathan and Justin; sisters, Peggy Johnstone and Marilyn Arsenault; sisters-in-law, Norma Arbeau, Melva Anderson, Rollande Bessey; brothers-in-law, Ray Arsenault and Robert Arbeau; also numerous nieces, nephews, godsons, Paul, Clark and Chris; many relatives and a multitude of "special" friends, all of whom enriched Jacks life in their own unique way. Jack was born in Thorold, ON, eldest child of Stuart and Nellie Bessie. He attended Prince of Wales School and Thorold High School. Jack worked as an apprentice electrician on the Wellandship Canal until enlisting in the R.C.A.F. August, 1940. During the Second World War he served in several stations in Canada and Iceland. He chose the Air Force as his life career and served in Trenton, Downsview, Greenwood, NS, Cold Lake, AB, #2 F Wing France, #4 F Wing BadenSoelingen, Germany, retiring from Gimli, MB September, 1970 as a Warrant Officer. Jack and his family took up residence in Winnipeg. The next 14 years he spent in the automobile business. Although successful in this career, his heart had never truly "retired" from his love of planes and the air force. In 1985 he joined the Air Force Association of Canada (#500 City of Winnipeg Wing), where he immediately got busy refurbishing vintage aircraft; T-33 in Woodhaven Park, the Expeditor in Stevenson Park 17 Wing, the "Little Musketeer" were three of the projects on which he worked while serving as Chairman of Heritage and Restoration. His proudest accomplishment was his contribution to the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan "Garden of Memories" located in the Air Force Heritage Park 17 Wing, Winnipeg. His motivation throughout this project was to preserve and protect the Air Force Heritage: this monument and garden will endure as a permanent reminder to present and future generations of Manitobas importance in the history of military aviation. More recently, until his health failed him, Jack proudly served as C.O. of the "Ghost Squadron" 17 Wing, a group of volunteers dedicated to keeping Heritage Park well maintained and restoring other aircraft in the future. Jack was a proud member of A.N.A.F, Charleswood Legion #100, W. A. C. Museum and his beloved Chapel of the Good Shepherd (1970). Jack believed strongly in community involvement. He was a Scout Master from 1951 - 1962. He organized the Cold Lake Figure Skating Club for the children on the base and another at #4 F Wing, Germany. He volunteered for the Progressive Conservative Party, the Cancer Society, Salvation Army,, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Canadian Diabetes. We were thrilled for him when, in February 2003, his efforts were recognized as he received the Queens Medal. He loved music, travelling, reading, dancing, automobiles, people, spending time with his "grandboys" and being a "Brat". He was a devoted husband and family man. He valued his family and personal friendships above all else. He had hope, optimism and a great sense of humour. He set a high bar for himself and stayed this course. He taught us all to appreciate life and to make everyday our best, even in the face of adversity. He was generous to everyone and got great satisfaction and joy from it. He will be sorely missed and remembered by all whose life he touched. "Sleep My Darling" PRAYER OF SERENITY God grant me the serenity To accept the things I cannot change Courage to change the things I can And the wisdom to know the difference. The family would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. J. R. A. Smart for his patience and compassionate care over many years. Sincere thanks to Dr. Ross MacMahon, Dr. John Rabson. Much gratitude to Dr. Macek, Dr. Cramer, nurse Winona (angel) and 5th floor staff at Grace General Hospital. Our deepest gratitude to our family and numerous friends for all your kindness and caring especially Chris and Midge Nielsen for your being there everyday for Tillie at this difficult time. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 24 at the Chapel of the Good Shepherd, 2235 Silver Ave. off Whytewold. Neil Bardal Inc., 949-2200 Flowers gratefully declined. Contributions to #17 Wing Museum Fund (Ghost Squadron) or charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 22, 2003