William Bessire

william bessire

William Charles Bessire, 68, Fargo ND, went to heaven on Wednesday, March 16th, 2011 after having fought the good fight against cancer.

Bill was born in Grafton, ND, and grew up in Hoople.  He joined the service right after graduating from Hoople High in 1960.  After serving in the Army, he attended UND and graduated in 1968 with a business degree. He worked for Colborn School Supply for many years, then began his career at the Veterans Administration here in Fargo in 1984 and became their best ever Canteen Manager. He retired in January 2011 after serving for 24 years.  He loved most spending time with his family and grandchildren, and got to enjoy travels to Seattle, Los Angeles and Israel before going to meet his Saviour.  He was a wonderful, loving husband, father, and grandpa and will be greatly missed.  Mizpah.

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  1. Chicago ILStephanie and Carol, we are so sorry for your loss. We know Bill will be missed terribly, but rejoice in the knowledge that he has fulfilled his baptism with the hope granted by faith. You are in our thoughts and prayers always.

  2. Seattle WADear Carol,

    From the first time we met him, Bill has touched our lives with his quiet blessing . . . We have come to love and respect him as a father, as a husband, and as a grandfather. He quietly demonstrated deep love for his family and lived a life that permitted his faith and his ideals to shine through his actions. His battle with cancer has been endured with amazing dignity and courage. We are grateful to include him in our family circle. One of the most touching parts of this time has been the love, care and strength you have shown. Your ability to be there for so many family members in need, even as your heart was carrying the awareness of your Bill’s needs more and more and Bill’s travels to spend time with family members despite his waning strength these things only underscored the perfect team God planned when He brought you together. We rejoice that Bill is now free of pain and sorrow–even though we also understand that those of us left to carry on here on earth for a bit longer will miss this quiet and strong man, and will not forget him because we can see his reflection in each of his kids.

    We are privileged and blessed to have known Bill, and we commit each of you who who love him to God’s care and healing in the days ahead.

    Mizpah, indeed! With our special love and many hugs for you, and our heartfelt sympathy for all in Bill’s circle.

    John and Cindy

  3. Moorhead MN
    For 17 years Bill was either my co-worker or my Boss, and always my friend. He was one of few people that did not loose his ethics or principles when he became Management. He truly cared about his employees. He was always there to support you, know matter what the problems were. Even the personal ones. I will truly miss you Bill.

    Darlene

  4. Moorhead MN
    To Bill’s family,
    My sympathy to you all. Bill was always so helpful when coordinating events with the Canteen. His smile and friendly greetings will always be remembered. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

  5. I truly enjoyed working with Bill for many years. He was a dedicated VCS professional and I will miss him.

    My thoughts and prayers are with his family during these difficult times

  6. To the Bessire Family,
    I am so sorry for your loss. I have always enjoyed your Dad’s smile as well. He always had a kind, gentle way & he will be missed by many. MY thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you go through the process of finding a new “normal” for your family. Love you all.
    Sara Scraper (Abrahamson)

  7. Huber Heights OhioWe will miss Bill. I served as his canteen chief college and Region Manager. May Gods Love bring you strength and comfort.

    Neil Toyne

  8. detroit lakes mn.Carol and family, sorry for your loss.
    Was able to see and talk with bill when
    when I had apointments at the v.a.
    Bill always had that look in his eyes
    and the smile on his face, that would
    say, I AM OK..
    yes he is….

  9. Carol and Family,
    Knowing that his is one of the tough times in life, rely on Gods guidance. He will give you everything you need to make it through this time and to move on when you are ready to do so.
    May he keep you in his grace and hold you in his loving arms during this time in your lives.

  10. fargo ndMy thoughts and prayers go out to bill family. I worked with bill many years ago at the VA. He was a wonderful caring man and will be greatly missed.

  11. Barnesvlle MN
    Carol – You are in our thoughts and prayers. “May the Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you. II Thess 2:16,17

  12. Comstock MN
    I was going thru cancer when Bill was going thru his. He was a wonderful support and a fellow christian friend. My prayers to his family.

  13. Fargo ND
    I knew Bill for many years when he was at the VA Canteen at the Veterans Hospital. As an employee, I shopped there regularly and always, always – Bill had a smile and greeted me by name.
    Even when he was diagnosed with cancer – he still greeted me with a smile and called me by name.
    That indicates someone who cares, really cares about the service they provide and their customers.
    I shall miss Bill every time I am in the VA Canteen store.

    God Bless the life of Bill Bessire!

  14. FARGO N DTO CAROL & FAMILY I’M HOPING WITH GODS HEALING HANDS &FAMILY SUPPORT YOU WILL GET THOUGH THESE HARD DAYS AHEAD…… AND JUST KNOW THAT I’LL BE HERE IF YOU JUST WANT TO TALK… JON, STEPH, BRAD KNOW THAT YOUR DAD WAS A SPECIAL MAN….. DON’T WORRY ABOUT YOUR MOM… I’LL KEEP IN TOUCH WITH HER…. ALL OUR LOVE TAMMY & RODNEY


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