Michael L. Bessette

1957 - 2015

Michael Lee Bessette, 58, passed away on Oct. 18, 2015. He was born in Anadarko, Okla., on Jan. 2, 1957, to Duane and Nona Bessette of Anchorage, Alaska. Michael originally moved to Anchorage in 1971, with his parents and siblings, Duane Bessette Jr. (Elizabeth Bessette), Steven Bessette (Sabrina Bessette) and Diana Bessette-McGee (Jon McGee). He graduated from Bartlett High School in 1975, and later attended Oregon State and Southwest Texas University. Michael owned Quick Quality Construction, a successful construction company in Boise, Idaho, before retiring to Anchorage in 2010. He was an accomplished fisherman and spent most of his summers fishing on the Kenai River at the McGee family cabin. He loved watching sports, especially tennis and football. His favorite team was the Green Bay Packers. Michael also enjoyed watching his nephew, JD McGee, play competitive basketball and rarely missed a game. He had a passion for cooking and gardening. He was a devoted father of three children, all of whom reside in Idaho: Michael Bessette Jr. (Kimberley Bessette), Ryan Keenan (Kylie Keenan) and Angela Keenan. He cherished his children and was very proud of them, not only for their accomplishments but also for the men and woman they had become. Being a sentimental man, he surrounded himself with photos of his children and his grandchildren, Layla Bessette, Kadin Keenan, Syre Keenan, Bishop Keenan and Shailynn Keenan. Michael remained close with his ex-wife, Lisa Gallegos (Ray Gallegos), and had the pleasure of spending Christmas 2014 with them, as well has his children and grandchildren in Boise. Michael loved his family unconditionally. He always greeted and said goodbye to his loved ones with a hug and a kiss. He valued the people in his life above all else. He was the first to arrive and the last to leave whenever anyone needed something. He was especially dedicated and loyal to his parents. He showed his deep love, admiration and respect for them by visiting frequently and assisting with day to day chores, such as shoveling snow and helping to maintain their lawn. Michael remained a loving brother who kept in close contact with his siblings. Always friendly, congenial and easy going, he had a wonderful sense of humor and a smile that could light up a room. He leaves behind nieces and nephews, Megan Bessette-Hardy (David Hardy), Christina Bessette, Angela Bessette, Anthony Bessette, Steven Bessette II, Jacklyn Bessette, JD McGee and Jordan McGee. He also had numerous cousins that he enjoyed keeping up with on social media. His passing will leave a void in the hearts of all who were blessed to have known and loved him. He was a gift that was taken away too soon. Michael will be forever missed and never forgotten. A service will be held on the Kenai River in the summer of 2016.