DR. KENNETH MICHAEL BESSEY

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

DR. KENNETH MICHAEL BESSEY On Sunday, May 18, 2003 in Winnipeg in the loving comfort of his wife and best friend, Terri, Mikes valiant battle with cancer was over. He fought courageously and with dignity, only having concern for his family he loved so much. Mike, aged 44 years, was born December 4, 1958. Treasured husband of Terri and cherished father of Lauren and Mason. He will be lovingly remembered by his four sisters and brothers and their families and by his in-laws Hank and Marie Makkreel and their family. Mike was predeceased by his parents Ken and Murdean Bessey. Mike grew up in Thorold, ON., the youngest of six. The qualities he exhibited as a youngster of strong character, competitiveness, curiosity, humour, integrity, self-confidence and love of learning deepened as he became a young man. Mike was a good athlete and took his competitive spirit to playing university and semi-pro hockey. Mike had an insatiable appetite for learning which motivated him to complete a B.A., Political Science at Brock University. Next, he earned a Masters Degree from the University of Manitoba, Institute of Natural Resources. He completed his formal education at Harvard, receiving the degree of Doctor of Design at the Graduate School of Design, in Economics and Urban Planning. He made a commitment to lifelong learning. Like Oliver Wendell Holmes said, "a mind stretched to a new idea never goes back to its original shape." In recognition of his academic interests, friends are establishing a Trust Fund to create the opportunity for a bi-annual lecture in his name. Mike utilized his formal knowledge and life lessons as he proceeded on his career path. He was employed by the Government of Manitoba in various roles including Director of Policy Secretariat, Secretary of the Treasury Board, and Cabinet Secretary for Economic Development, and C.E.O. of the Economic Innovation and Technology Council - making a significant contribution and creating positive change. Currently, he was Vice President of Corporate Development and Operations at Crocus Investment Fund. It should be publicly recognized that the "Crocus Family" went above and beyond in their treatment and care for Mike and his family, feeding them physically and spiritually for the past six months. Thank you. Mike chose Manitoba as "home". The seasons allowed him to pursue his many outdoor interests. He used the time with nature for thought, reflection, re-energizing and made friends along the path. Always at his side were the family pets, Dudley and Rex. Mike had an inter-generational friend base. People were attracted to him. One in particular - his life parter and mother of his children, Terri. Mikes pride in his family knew no bounds. His legacy lives on in the teaching of many life lessons to his children. He celebrated Terri for her many talents, independence and being a wonderful mother to their children. His investment of love, interest and time have helped make them the strong, loving unit they are. Mike came to live life out loud. Upon a visit to Walden Pond while living in Boston, Mike and Terri reflected on their life and chose to "live deliberately" as expressed in the words of Thoreau who said he "wished to live deliberately, to front the essential facts of life and see if I could not learn what it had to teach and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived." He was a full participant in the game of life. He was a husband, father, brother, loyal friend, but he was so much more. He was an adventurer, philosopher, musician, competitor, problem solver, risk taker, story teller, outdoorsman, sports enthusiast, animal lover but above all - a teacher - a mentor. He inspired, he motivated. The world is a better place because of Michael Bessey. For those of us who were lucky to know him as a friend, he left footprints on our hearts. Terri and the children wish to thank all those who visited, called, and kept Mike in their thoughts and prayers. Friends have become family and their family has become friends. The expressions of kindness and caring have come in many forms. Thank you to friends and former colleagues who have sent meals and words of encouragement. Your gentleness with Mike in his final hours and your genuine care for our family will be remembered always. Family and friends are invited to share in a celebration of Mikes life, officiated by Rev. Harry Lehotsky on Friday, May 23, 4:00 p.m., Faith Lutheran Church, 1311 Dakota St. at Paddington, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers if friends wish a donation may be made to: The Bessey Children Education Fund, established by friends of the family, at Partners in Planning "In Trust", 1027-363 Broadway Ave., Winnipeg, R3C 3N9; Riverview Palliative Care, 1 Morley Ave., Winnipeg, R3L 2P4; CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, R3E 0B9 or a charity of choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 21, 2003