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- Chateaugay Record and Franklin County Democrat
Thursday, August 9, 1962
Mayor William Bessette Drowns in Upper Lake After Heart Attack
For the second consecutive week-end, Chateaugay was plunged into sorry by tragedy. On Saturday afternoon William Q. Bessette, 45, Mayor of Chateaugay, died at Chateaugay Lake by drowning following a presumed heart attack.
Mr. Bessette had been swimming about 300 feet from the shore at his camp on Willow Beach on Upper Chateaugay Lake at 1:15 P.M. when he apparently suffered a heart attack.
Although he was a considerable distance from the shore, swimming alone, no immediate concern was felt for him because he was an excellent swimmer.
The wind whipped waters carried Mr. Bessette northward to shore and he was discovered by his daughter, Shirley who sounded the alarm.
Donald Peacock swam out toward the victim and Dick Peacock, approaching in a motor boat, reached Mr. Bessette about 40 feet from shore and they brought him to a beach at the Jerry Bushey camp.
Artificial respiration including mouth-to-mouth resusitation were used to no avail. The Chateaugay Rescue Company arrived with in 20 minutes and used their pneolator, but all efforts to revive Mr. Bessette proved to no avail. Members of the Lyon Mountain Fire Department also responded to a call for assistance.
Dr. Sheridan Keysor, Standish, was summoned, and was appointed coroner’s physician by Clinton County coroner, Dr. Dana Weeks. He issued a certificate of accidental death by drowning. An inquest will be held.
William Quinlin Bessette was born in this village on August 24, 1916, the oldest son of Mrs. Bessie Quinlin Bessette and the late William W. Bessette. His entire lifetime was spent in this village. He attended Chateaugay High School and graduated with the class of 1935.
Shortly after graduation his father died and he assumed the responsibility of caring for members of his family.
Entering the restaurant business at that time he owned and operated “Billy’s Grill” on East Main Street until his death.
A life Democrat, Mr. Bessette solidly supported his party during his entire lifetime.
He ran for mayor of Chateaugay on the Independent Citizens ticket in 1955 and was elected to that office. He has been reselected for 3 consecutive terms and as the representative of the people he brought about many improvements in the village.
He was life long member of St. Patrick’s Church.
In October 1944, his marriage to Miss Ethel Schryer took place. Theirs was a life of happiness and contentment together and five children were born to this union all of whom survive: one daughter, Shirley, four sons, William Jr., Robert, James and Gerry; his mother, Mrs. Bessie Bessette; two brothers, Patrick and John Bessette are his immediate family, and also uncles, aunts and several cousins.
He was in repose at the Chateaugay Funeral Home until time for the funeral.
The hundreds of friends who came to pay their last respects, and the numerous flowers and wreaths, attested to the high esteem in which he was held.
Members of the Chateaugay Fire Department visited the Funeral HOme in a body on Monday evening and the entire company attended the funeral in full uniform.
Funeral services were held Tuesday morning at St. Patrick’s Church at 9:30 a.m. Burial was in the church cemetery.
All local stores were closed during the funeral in this honor.
The pallbearers were: Russell DeChambeau, Joseph Rovelle, Arthur Nolan, Edward Coolaw, Edward Foran, Jerry Keefe, Frank Kavanuagh, James. Ryan.
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Bassett Family Association Database
1916 - 1962 (45 years)