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James Bessey Obituary

JAMES (JIM) WILLIAM BESSEY April 6, 1920 - September 13, 2010 WWII Veteran Canadian Watercolour Artist Passed away peacefully with family at his bedside at Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket. He will be forever in our hearts, sadly missed by his beloved wife June of 67 years, children Sharon, Kathleen (Peter). With love and thanks to Andrzej. Remembered by his dear sister Florence West, nephews, cousins and friends. Predeceased by parents Melvin and Hilda and great- granddaughter Savannah. Survived by 4 grandchildren Tracey (Larry), Sean (Sue), Cheryl (Kevin), Jody (Todd) and 10 great-grandchildrem. Born and raised in North Toronto, a graduate of North Toronto Collegiate and King's College University, Halifax where he received his officer's training as Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve and served aboard corvettes HMCS Lethbridge and HMCS Arvida from 1940-1945. From 1958-1972 associated with Comstock International, life member of the Ontario Natural Gas Association, former Director of Robert B. Sommerville Co. Ltd. And past member of St. Andrew's Lodge No. 16. Jim left the natural gas industry in 1972 to become a full time Artist, was deeply proud of Canada and his works were included in many private collections. The Province of Ontario presented his paintings to HRH Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and the late Queen Mother as gifts from the Province and the Loyalist Societies. A member of the Dundas Valley School of Art, the Art Guild of Scarborough and the Latcham Gallery of Stouffville. Jim's interests included the work of Big Brothers and the former Hugh MacMillan Centre. If desired, donations can be made to the Latcham Gallery in Stouffville or the Southlake Regional Health Centre Palliative Care Unit. Private family funeral service has taken place and arrangements entrusted to O'Neill Funeral Home, Stouffville, 905-642-2855.

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Published by Toronto Star on Sep. 14, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for James Bessey

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8 Entries

Sean & Sue Vernon

September 19, 2010

A gentle soul we have lost, an inspiration to many! Kind, thoughtful and giving, may you live on through all of us for years to come. Your love for Grandma was contagious may we be so blessed to have the same! You will never be forgotten. Sleep tight Grandpa!

Love Forever and Always
Sean, Sue, Avery and Ethan xoxo

Fran and John Paterson

September 19, 2010

My dearest Kay, Peter and Mrs. Bessey, our most deepest condolences to you and your family. Mr. Bessey was a gentle, kind man and an inspiration to all who knew him. Our prints are a constant reminder of a man who loved nature and made us all reflect on things that are truly important in our lives. My heart goes out to you. You are in our thoughts and prayers on this very sad moment in your lives.

Fran and Bill Osborne

September 17, 2010

Dearest Kay and Peter, my deepest condolences to you and your family on your loss. I never met your father but think of him and you always thanks to the beautiful print on my living room wall. My prayers are with you on this very sad occasion.

Dr. Elena Petrov

September 16, 2010

Kay and family:

Those We Love Remain Part of us “Our loved ones leave the world, but never our hearts”
You will always remember. You will always love. So much has changed, but so much will always be…..Your loved one is part of who you are, of how you see the world….of how you live and give. Those priceless gifts are yours forever.

Dr. Petrov and staff

Darlene ( Bagg ) Jakobsen

September 15, 2010

Stouffville has lost one of it's finest, a very kind and talented man and he was never to busy to show you what he was working on....my heartfelt condelences go out to Mrs.B , Cheryl and the rest of the family....he will be sadly missed but I know that he left many great memories behind , as I treasure the ones I had with him when I was younger....love an old neighbour !

SOGA

September 15, 2010

Our deepest sympathies to June Bessey and her family from all of Jim's friends at SOGA. He was a long time member and will be remembered by his old colleagues and friends.

September 15, 2010

The Frost family sends our sympathies to the Bessey Family. We were across the bay from your place on Lake of Bays, and think of Jim with fondness. We have a few of his works hanging in our home , and they are much coveted by us all. On a personal note, Jim was very encouraging to me as I started my venture as a watercolour artist. His awareness of light and his soft brush strokes inspire me still.
Thank you,
Judi Frost and the Frost Family

September 14, 2010

My sincere sympathy to Mrs. Bessey, Kay and Peter, Sharon and all the family on the loss of a wonderful husband, Dad and grand-dad. You will miss him forever but he will always be in your hearts.

Much love,
Luanne and family.

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for James Bessey

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O'Neill Funeral Home - Stouffville

6324 Main St, Stouffville, ON L4A 1G9