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.
Warner was a cherished member of our pastoral care team at the Civic campus and the Heart Institute. I was lucky to work with him on Tuesdays and I've heard many stories from others who worked with him - many of them humorous! I was thrilled to be on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land with him and Marilyn several years ago, it was a real treat. But it was those talks after our rounds in the hospital, talking about the patients we had visited, that I miss to this day. You were and are a real blessing to so many people, Warner!