Eric Peter Bessem

Eric Peter Bessem, was born in Long Beach, CA to the late Rudolph Nicholas (Jakarta, Indonesia), and Conny Catherina Winnubst (Medemblik, The Netherlands), on Christmas Day, 12/25/1964. Welcomed with joy, he was presented to the loving parents, a gift from God, in a Christmas Stocking.
Survived by his loving wife, high-school sweetheart Maria Bessem (Kubeck), whom he met in the 9th grade at St. Anthony High School, his two treasured daughters, Kelly Margaret Rose Bessem and Katrina April Hope Raus (Bessem) and her husband, bonus-son, Chad Raus. Missed by his sister, Monique Zelin (Bessem) and her husband Glen Zelin, niece Brooke. Additionally survived by George Kubeck (Maria's father), age 94. Eric is survived by a wonderful number of extended family members, brother and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, and great-nieces locally, and in The Netherlands.
An easily identified Dutch boy, Eric had a fast smile and welcoming demeanor. His love of water was initially sparked by the family backyard pool, as Eric began to swim as an infant.
Eric grew up in Long Beach, CA, first attending Emerson Elementary School, then St. Joseph Elementary School 1979, St Anthony 1 year, then Millikan High School, graduating in 1983. Many of Eric's most heart-warming memories were of growing up on Josie Avenue and adventuring in El Dorado Park. Eric enjoyed his childhood era, when he could ride his bike until dark, and get home when the street lights came on. They were truly the "good old days"!
Extremely bright, Eric was very talented and knowledgeable in regard to classic stereo equipment. At age 16, Eric designed and built 4-foot tall speakers with his own schematics. He had a love of classic rock, 1980's music and more recently Christian and Country artists.
Eric's father loved the Swiss Alps, and he instilled a love of the majestic beauty of Yosemite National Park, by taking the family on many treasured vacations to Yosemite during Eric's childhood and beyond.
This instilled a broad appreciation and matching skill-set Eric developed as he grew to adulthood. He loved camping, hiking, off-roading, classic muscle cars (he had a cherished '69 Cougar 351), boating, fishing, ocean swimming and snorkeling.
Fondly referred to as 'The Professor', Eric continued his studies at Long Beach City College, Electrician certification training and was HVAC certified. Eric was an impassioned electrician and leapt out of bed in the early hours to go to work. He was excited to be the trouble-shooter, often sought out in solving electrical puzzles. He studied 9 trades and consequently mastered roofing, carpentry, painting, fencing, flooring etc. You name it, he could do it and it would be done right (and level)!
Sadly, a work injury, was escalated to a permanent disability, during a routine chiropractic visit. Eric's extreme faith in God, as his Lord and Savior, was the sustaining grace he relied on during this time onward. In 2002 he received the devastating diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), which is the most painful nerve disease that exists. He was a humble and often stoic warrior, joining the online prayer team at our church for years, to pray for others in their time of need.
Blessed with some periods of remission, Eric seized the days and his most cherished activities centered around his wife Maria, and their daughters Kelly and Katrina. Whether at Silverwood Lake, or the canals of Belmont Shore/Naples in Long Beach, Eric was on or in the water from April through October. Numerous tent camping (the only 'real 'camping) trips were taken to Yosemite, CA. This was so rewarding, as he was able to pass on his love of the outdoors, to them.
Eric also had many good memories from a family trip to Kauai (the place of his honeymoon with Maria). Adventuring to Bermuda & Cabo San Lucas, where the snorkeling was next-to-Heaven.
His proudest accomplishment was being a loving and faithful husband for over 35 years and his blessing in being a father to Kelly & Katrina.
His outdoorsman and handyman skills inspired Kelly to devote her career in support of preserving our National parks, wild-lands and waterways. Her persistence during injury and recovery propelled her into a world-class thru-hiker, completing the PCT and most recently The Continental Divide, a 3k mile trek.
Eric's bravery-under-battle and constant nurturing helped to shape younger daughter Katrina into her career as a NICU nurse and most recently Nurse Manager at CHOC. She continues to advocate for the most vulnerable, partly in honor of her Dad.
In early 2024, Eric's disease relapsed with intensity, and he lost 55 lbs, fighting to survive the 12-level pain. Every avenue was sought, and medical delays were sadly a major barrier.
The vows 'in sickness and health, in good times and bad, til death do us part' are sacred and heart felt. Maria and Eric's love eternally sealed on August 26, 1989, and continuing beyond when Eric suddenly passed June 7, 2025.
The service date is scheduled for 2 pm-3:30. October 16, 2025 at O'Connor Mortuary, Laguna Hills, CA. It is the 44th anniversary of Eric and Maria's first date. Laguna Hills Chapel & Crematory – O'Connor Mortuary
Afterwards, immediate family will scatter Eric's ashes from a beautiful Tall sailing ship, returning him to the ocean he loved so much.
Donations welcomed in Eric Bessem's name to research CRPS (RSD) can be sent to: https://rsds.org