Alfred Andre Bessette

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the transition of dad’s journey into the spirit world on January 4, 2026.

Alfred Andre Bessette was born on June 22, 1954, to Rene and Florence Bessette. His father passed away when Al was six, leaving his mom with 10 children. Al was predeceased by brothers, Gerald, Wilfred, and Marcel; and sisters, Agnes, Florence, Cecile, Rose and Delphine. His sister Alma is still with us. His mom passed away in 2006. Al often spoke of his family and the shenanigans that everybody would find themselves in with love, humour, and honour. Grandma had her hands full.

Though a skilled carpenter and small engine mechanic in his early years, he spent most of his career focused on sustainable development. He cared about our planet and about future generations. He took every educational opportunity available to him and also led a program at TransAlta that was focused on training individuals with brain injuries, and persons with cognitive disabilities. He was a hockey coach for his son Justin's team for years and donated his time and energy to multiple causes.

Dad was happiest when he was around people. We have many photos of him at family gatherings, smiling silently while listening to the conversation. He was just happy to be there and needed nothing else. He cherished every moment spent around family and friends and always welcomed people who spontaneously wanted to come over. He never said no to anything social.

He was a very political and opinionated person, firmly believing that the problems in society started when the lines between rights and freedoms became blurred. He reiterated this in all his conversations and was incredibly passionate in these discussions. He would want that stated here as his final thought as he exits the earth. He would like us all to be kind to each other and mind our business. He was honest, and he said what he wanted to say without apology. He was politically incorrect but could always back up what he was saying using historical and current facts, leaving people disarmed. He was caring and compassionate. Even when ill, he was always willing to put his illness aside and help others. Once you were in his circle, he would have your back relentlessly. He had an easy laugh. He was loyal. He cared.

Dad was strong. A fighter. For 40 years, every time he healed, another diagnosis would come. He beat prostate, bladder, and kidney cancer. A few years later, he survived Whipple surgery for pancreatic cancer. A couple of years after that, complications from the Whipple resulted in him being in a medically induced coma for 2 months. There were many, many other illnesses and surgeries in between. They just kept coming. He accepted illness and believed in self-healing through ceremony, visualization, and nature. He respected medical teams and appreciated being in a country that allows free treatment and also advocated for himself and his treatments because he knew his body. This saved him many times. He never once complained of his medical battles and displayed a positive attitude and strength that is incomprehensible. He faced them head on, often silently. He beat the odds every time. The family joke was that he could beat anything and proved time and again to be true. But this time there were no options available. And we are beyond devastated. As was he.

Dad spent the month of December in the hospital. His demeanor about this fight changed. With that, we knew that this could be his last battle. He was tired. Joined by family and friends, he embraced a powerful spiritual healing ceremony. It was something he cherished and it brought him peace.

Throughout December, dad was joined by all his children, the Ackerman family, and multiple family members and friends, some traveling to see him. Thank you to each of you for giving him what he loved best in his final month - people and connection.

He was surrounded by friends, family, and love as he took his final breath. As we broke down in sadness, we found comfort knowing that there was a very happy Bessette family reunion happening in that room around us that we could not see.

Al is lovingly remembered by daughters, Rachelle (Sue) and Miranda Bessette; his son, Justin (Chona) Bessette; grandson, Jacob and granddaughters, Mariel and Princess. He is also survived by his brother/sister/best friends Dale and Joanne Ackerman and their children Debbie and Sheri, and the entire Ackerman family, who became his family. He had multiple nieces and nephews and was so happy to consistently spend time with his nieces Christa, Jessica, and Haleigh in his final years. As his illness progressed, he was also happy to spend time with those who traveled to see him, including his nephew Curtis, nieces Christa and Jennifer, Sheri and her boys, and friends Rick and Jay.

When the weather warms, the family will host a get together where we can celebrate Al, then share memories about him around the fire. There is no better way to honour him than to do what he loved doing most.

Thank you to unit 54 at the Foothills Hospital for your excellent care and kindness.