William “Bill” Francis Bessent Obituary in Grande Prairie at Oliver’s Funeral Home & Crematorium

Obituaries

William "Bill" Francis Bessent

April 17, 1925 - April 22, 2024

Obituary For William "Bill" Francis Bessent

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of William “Bill” Francis Bessent on Monday, April 22, 2024 in Grande Prairie, AB at the age of 99 years. He was a devoted family man, friend, and community member. He leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and adventure.

Bill and his identical twin brother Bob were born in Windsor, ON on April 17, 1925 to Bert and Elsie Bessent. At the age of two, the family moved to Grande Prairie, AB where they spent most of their time at his maternal grandparent’s farm at Bear Lake.

From the start Bill and his brother were involved in sports. In 1941, at the age of 16, they played for the Senior Red Devils. Bill spent many years coaching and was avidly involved in the hockey community.

On November 11, 1942 Bill and his brother joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) to fight in World War II. Upon finishing their training as air gunners they took the Queen Mary ship to England, arriving on September 1, 1943. Their Lancaster Bomber Crews were stationed at Gransden Lodge in the 405 Pathfinder Squadron. Four of the boys included were from Grande Prairie. On December 16, 1943 Bill went to see his brother off on a bombing raid to Berlin. After a successful mission, on the return flight, the southern part of England fogged in causing 30 planes to crash. Bill’s twin brother was one of the men killed that night, now known as Black Thursday. Bob is buried at the City Cemetery in Cambridge, England. Bill finished his RCAF tour on August 4, 1944 and stayed at the station in England as an instructor until the war ended.

Bill came back to Grande Prairie in 1945, and in 1950 he met his loving wife Lavina Allison “Vine.” They had two boys Bob and Bill; and a daughter Bonny.

Throughout Bill’s life, he was an active community member. He owned Beatty Appliances with his dad and Brown Brothers Menswear. He worked at Larry’s Sport Shop and Caldwell’s Menswear, which totalled 45 years working on Main Street. He was president of the local Rotary Club, president of the Legion (where he was a member for 77 years), a founding member of the Grande Prairie Legends of Hockey and a member of the Cancer Association.

Since the age of five, Bill and his family have had a lovely spot on Sturgeon Lake where they enjoyed their time fishing and being together. He liked hunting geese in the fall with his late friend Roy Wright. He spent many years golfing with Gordon Bloomfield, Bill Simpson and Bob Wilson. Bill was a season ticket holder for the Storm hockey for many years.

Bill is survived by his loving children: Bob (Sharon), Bill Jr. and Bonny; grandchildren: Bobby (Sheena), Ryan, Jerit (Emily) Boudreault and Allison Boudreault; great-grandchildren: Everlee and Bria; nephews Roger (Angele) and Jack (Dayle) Field; niece Linda Field (Brent); and many other wonderful family and friends.

Bill is predeceased by his father Bert (1957); mother Elsie (1987); and wife Vine (1990).

Thank you to the staff at the Grande Prairie Care Center for the kindness and care you offered Bill. It was greatly appreciated.

Memorial donations can be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #54 (9912 101 Ave. Grande Prairie, AB T8V 0X8).

Bill’s remarkable life and contributions will be deeply missed, but his memory will continue to inspire and motivate those who knew him.

As per Bill’s wishes, there will not be a Funeral Service. A Graveside Memorial will be held for close family and friends at the Grande Prairie Cemetery (84 Ave. and 112 St.) on Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 2:00pm.

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Condolences

April 29, 2024

Norm Boivin

So sorry to hear of the loss of another really good guy. Always a smile and kind words. Norm and Chris Boivin.
April 27, 2024

Sharon Costley

Our sincere condolences Bob, Bill, and Bonnie. Your dad was a wonderful man and lived a life of service, both for his Country and his community. Loved living next door for so many years. Take comfort with the beautiful legacy he has left behind. Sharon Costley (Paul)
April 26, 2024

Linda Perkins

Sending my deepest sympathies to Bob, Bill, Bonny and families. Absolutely loved your Dad and have so many fond memories growing up with your family as our neighbours - sleepovers, camping trips, Bonny and I performing Beatles "concerts" for our parents in your basement, falling in love with all your poodles. Your Dad was such a gentleman and it was always a pleasure to see him at the Storm games. Bill was the definition of a life well lived❤️. Sending love and hugs to you all as you say goodbye to your Dad. Linda Perkins (Paul).
April 26, 2024

Kathy Robideau (Krog)

Deepest condolences Bill , your dad was a pleasure to know , I so enjoyed the visits with him at the Legion , he will be missed.
April 25, 2024

wanda

Bill was a wonderful man and very caring. I worked with Bill and he became very special person in my heart. He will be deeply missed. Rest in peace Bill.
April 25, 2024

Heather Stretch

My sincere condolences to Bills family. I enjoyed a few chats with Bill when I was visiting the care center. My mother was there also. He was always ready to engage in conversation with a smile. He was a lovely man. Rest in Peace Bill.❤️
April 25, 2024

Kerry King

Oh, wow. So sad, the last of the old boys. It was great seeing your dad at aunty Ella's 100th. Bless you all. Hugs from Kerry King (Bloomfield)
April 25, 2024

Erna Moon

Awww. He was such an icon in our community. I loved listening to him at the Storm games. Him and Gord Bloomfield always had and ongoing commentary going. Reminded me of the old guys on the Muppets❤️ A life well lived. My sympathies to the family. Erna Moon
April 25, 2024

Jason Lainchbury

I had the honor of spending a lot of time with Bill, mostly on the golf course. Bill, my grandpa Gordon and Bill Simpson were quite the crew out there and I have a lifetime of memories from those days. Bill was such a kind gentleman and a good friend. My sincere condolences to the family.
April 25, 2024

Darlene Repka-Smith

Bill was such a great guy, truly a Grande Prairie character. We will all miss him. Darlene Repka-Smith
April 24, 2024

Shelley Field-Halliday

Growing up in GP; Uncle Bill was always there for us and part of our lives. We loved visiting him later when in town and look up to him as our very own war hero. Rest in Peace Uncle Bill, we love you.
April 24, 2024

Jacki Gobin

To the Bessent Family; Our deepest sympathy on the passing of Bill. We always enjoyed our conversations with him. Such a nice man and he will be missed. Dale & Jacki Gobin, Cochrane AB
April 24, 2024

Sharon

Big hugs Bonny and family, so sorry for the loss of your Dad and a Grandpa. He was such a special person. When we moved to GP, Bill accepted us as his family and our kids called him Grandpa. He will always be Grandpa Bill to us and when we think of him, we will cherish the memories, always with a smile. Rest easy, Grandpa Bill xo Love from Sharon, Roy, Keegan and Brenna Campbell of Cochrane AB
April 24, 2024

Don Moon

A kind and gentle man. Enjoyed our talks over the years at Storm hockey games. He was one of Grande Prairie's Legends! Going to miss that man! Don Moon
April 24, 2024

Raphael Bergmann

I had the pleasure of meeting you, Bill, in 2014. You shared about your experiences, from your brother to boxing back all those years ago in the 30s.... you and your son, whom introduced us, were true gentlemen. You had a full life, including service for your country. Thank you for making the world a better place, I much enjoyed our brief time together, and I trust you are catching up with your brother now..
April 24, 2024

wendi lanthier

Deepest condolences Bonnie ,Jerit , and Allison So sorry to hear of your loss Wendi

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