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- Eureka Times-Standard, February 3, 2011
Wilfred John Bessette (1951-2011)
Will was born in Eureka, April 6, 1951 to the late John & Pat Bessette. He graduated from St. Bernard's High School in 1969. Will attended College of the Redwoods, excelling at football, he then enlisted in the United States Navy <http://www.legacy.com/legacies/navy/?personid=148318384&affiliateID=1350>, following his dad's branch of service. Will met his bride, Kathy, shortly after returning from his military service. They were married on St. Patrick's Day 1974, so Will could remember their anniversary. Will worked a variety of jobs from logging to beverage distributing and for the last 16 years was the owner/operator of Courthouse Market. Will had many passions, first and foremost his family, wife Kathy, sons John and Jacob, daughter-in-law Rikki and his heart, his joy, grandson Wesley. He loved to cook, hosting, many large and small dinners and the annual family picnic. He will also be remembered for all the wonderful meals he cooked at the Elk's Lodge. Will enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf and was a league bowler for more than 30 years, with his brother-in-law Will Mobley. He was a member of numerous organizations. The most important to him being the Elks Lodge <http://www.legacy.com/legacies/elks-lodge/?personid=148318384&affiliateID=1350> 652. Will dedicated countless hours of service over the years, holding positions including Exalted Ruler, State Vice President and District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler. He valued the many wonderful friends and opportunities to serve the community that the Elks provided to him. Will is survived by his wife Kathleen, son John Dean, son and daughter-in-law, Jacob and Rikki, grandson Wesley, sister Michele Van Winkle, brothers, Joe and Chris Bessette, great aunt, Madeleine French, aunt Rita Miller, nieces and nephews, Donny, Sarah, John, Tiffany, Alene, Michael (George), Joey, Jennifer, Michael and Richard and their respective spouses and children, many wonderful cousins and good, good friends. He loved you all. A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 5th at 11:30 am. at the Eureka Elks Lodge, 445 Herrick Road. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Will can be made to the Humboldt Area Foundation, 373 Indianola Road, Bayside, CA 95524, to help with projects for children with special needs locally. Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com <http://www.times-standard.com/> click on Obits.
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