With sadness, we announce the passing of James "Warner" Besserer at the age of 86. Pre-deceased by his first wife Gweneth (née Scissons) survived by his beloved wife Marilyn (née Brown), daughter Susan (Rick), and by step-children; Christine (David), Rob (Stephanie), Tom (Leda), Paul (Amanda), 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, sister Lois Baignee and brother Lewis Besserer.
Warner was a man that centred his life around love. Great love of family and friends. Love of God and religion. Love of people. He gave of himself to causes that were about making a difference in people’s lives. This included his time as a spiritual care volunteer at the Ottawa Hospital, volunteering with the Knights of Columbus at the soup kitchen, and at St. Vincent de Paul to ensure that families who had nothing, would receive what they required to live. Further, anyone who looked like they required some help or support he would reach out to assist. All this done with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face.
Warner would always step up for a good tennis match, badminton match and rarely would miss a Notre-Dame football game. He had a great passion and love for the Ottawa Valley and all the cycling trails.
A 30 year plus employee of the CBC who contributed his expertise and dedication to the accounting department.
A celebration of life mass will be held in Warner’s honour at The Holy Cross Church 685 Walkley Rd, Ottawa, ON K1V 6R8 on Saturday, December 2nd at 10am followed by a reception at the Parish Hall.
Donations in lieu of flowers to a charity of your choice.
Warner’s happy, playful, fun, warm spirit will remain in our hearts forever.
Digital Guestbook
Angela
Joe Arko
My condolences and thoughts to the entire family 🙏
Valerie Haggart
Susan, Wayne and I send our thoughts and prayers to you and your family at this very sad time.
Nidhi & Suman Gupta
Sending the entire family prayers and healing vibes. Praying for strength and light to everyone. Christine, I’m enveloping you in grace and compassion, and a warm hug.
Frank and Maria Bonacci (K OF C)
My Condolences and thought to the all Family
Wendy Laborie
I was so sad to hear of Warner's passing. And yet the many many memories of him came flooding forth! Warner was a great story teller and his stories were often thought provoking decades later. He lost his wallet once, and had to replace the contents. The credit card company kept sending him a new card with the wrong name on it. In frustration, he wrote a lovely poem to them, 'You can call me Jane, You can call me Cames, You can call me Waynes, But if you want to call me correctly, Call me James.' Boy did we laugh about that!
I am forever grateful for all of Warner's interest and support over the years. He was the cook at family gatherings, the organizer for tennis tournaments, the teacher of golf, biking, shuffleboard, cards, patience, tolerance and love. Rest in peace, my dear friend.
Cindy Brown-Leigh
I'm so sorry that Warner is no longer with us. I'll always remember the excitement I felt as a young girl when I got to attend my first "real" wedding of Aunt Marilyn and Warner. Although I had just met him, Warner immediately felt like family. His jokes and his smiles and his playful and carefree attitude were such wonderful qualities. I'm grateful for the visit we had last summer and my thoughts are with everyone at this sad time.
Caje Rodrigues
My sincere condolences to all the family.
Ray & June Flansberry
We are truly sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved husband Warner. Please accept our condolences and may our prayers help comfort you and family.
Kim Butler
Susan and Rick, Ben and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts and heats are with you during this difficult time.
Warner, I’ve had the pleasure of saying hello on a couple of occasions. My heart goes out to the family. I could tell you brought much love with a no nonsense attitude, with a big heart, towards others and just simply towards life. A great a rare attribute, indeed! Thinking of you today with love and sending my deepest sympathies to the family.
“His master replied, Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”
Matthew 25:23
Well done, Warner!!