Thomas “Tom” Earl Bessey, 85, of Vancouver, WA, passed away Sept. 4, 2014.
He was born April 23, 1929 in Merrill, WI to Herbert and Frieda Bessey.
Upon graduation from high school, Tom joined his two older brothers in Ashton, ID, where he met and married Ila, his wife of 64 years.
Tom and Ila moved to Vancouver, WA in 1958. He worked for a time for Freightliner Inc. of Portland, OR before opening his own business, Bessey Welding and Repair in 1964.
For relaxation, Tom enjoyed traveling the world with Ila, mountain climbing with his kids and friends, rock climbing with his late friend, John Boutinen (He did this into his late 60s). Tom also enjoyed dinner get-togethers – always getting your drink order before your coat was off and all the while polka music playing loud in the background.
Tom is survived by his wife, Ila; daughters, Lois M. Jackson, Patricia K. Sikes (Lewis) and Kathleen “Kat” D. Bessey; son, Timothy E. Bessey; two grandsons, Adam Sikes and Casey Jackson (Tara); two great-grandchildren, Kadin and Audrey, all of Vancouver, WA; sister-in-law, Ellanora Bessey of Merrill; eight nieces and nephews and their children.
He was preceded in death by three brothers, Grand, William and John; and two sisters, Grace Bessey and Ruth (Harold) Kniess.
A graveside service was held Sept. 10 at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Vancouver, WA.