Howard Floran Besse
September 13, 2017
Our treasured father Howard received his "Call to Glory" on September 13, 2017, and is now resting peacefully in the arms of his loving wife Blanche, and holding the hands of his #1 son Harold. We miss them all dearly and are proud they are together again in family love.
Dad is survived by #1 son's daughter and "Pa's" granddaughter Christina (Mike); his #2 son Brent (Cathy); #3 son Douglas (Denise) with "Grumpy's" grandchildren Kaitlynn and Scott; and his daughter-in-law Nina (Harold's' loving wife) with her son Charles, along with great-grandchildren Kelby, Sabella and Charles.
Our Dad's major focus in life was his family, and he worked tirelessly to provide for us all, and helped guide us through life successfully. He taught us all the value of high standards, hard work, and that with focus we could achieve and be anything we wanted.
Howard started his adult life operating transportation, heavy off-road machinery, and construction equipment in Alberta. He later worked in the North operating and testing heavy equipment for Shell Oil and on the construction of the WAC Bennett Dam in Northern BC. In the mid-60's he moved his family to Nanaimo and became the Chief Instructor for Heavy Equipment Operating and Mechanic Program at the BC Vocational School, later to become Malaspina College.
There was just no machine on earth that Dad couldn't operate or repair. He also supported our mom Blanche's desire to run a restaurant, building her the Kozy Korner Kafe from the ground up, and helping her run it successfully for over a decade.
Nanaimo became Mom and Dad's home for the rest of their life, and they supported the community by becoming charter members in the formation of Hope Lutheran Church in 1967, leasing a facility while the new church expanded their membership. Dad was instrumental in helping the church design, and then lead the building of a new dedicated House of God for the congregation to worship in.
Dad had an amazing love for old time country and gospel music. He had an amazing deep bass voice and sang in Church choirs and for special events. And while he never had any formal training, and in fact couldn't even read sheet music, he taught himself how to play a one mean fiddle. He and our Mom became somewhat of a legend in the local community for playing and singing at Old-Time dances, and Square Dance events as part of "Snarly's Angels" - a true old-time country dance band.
As Dad's twilight years advanced, he moved into his final home, where he received loving and compassionate care from our friends at Dover House.
Brent and Doug want to thank them all so very much, as well as Jan and Lee for the help and love they showed our Dad during his final years.
From the bottom of our hearts, we appreciate your help in making our precious Dad's final years pleasant and peaceful.
Rest well Dad, you have earned a peaceful and happy sleep.
Thank you for everything you have provided and taught us over the years. We love you Dad.