It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Rick Bessette at his home in Loleta on Thursday, July 12, 2018.

Rick was born on March 22, 1958 at St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka to Leo and Janet Bessette. Mom and dad always said Rick was a ray of sunshine from the day he was born. He was always smiling, full of love and he just twinkled.

He attended St. Bernard’s and graduated in 1976.

Rick led an adventurous life, his passions were hunting and fishing. He had particularly fond memories of the outdoors in Alaska and Tule Lake. Rick loved to share stories and he lived a life with no enemies. He had many friends and he never met a stranger. Rick will always be remembered as a die hard Giants fan from the age of nine, it was something his dad and him always shared.

Despite many physical setbacks, Rick was most like his dad. Nothing ever stopped him, he accomplished anything he set his mind too, including developing his own homestead.

He married his first wife Sally Ludtke, and they had three wonderful boys, Matt, Tyler and Anthony. In 1999 Rick married his loving wife of 18 years, Roxane, and she brought her three wonderful boys into the family mix. Taylor, Chad and Lance Montilpere. Several years later he was blessed with five grandchildren, Dannika, Leland, Brooklyn, Joseph and Nolan.

Rick will most be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, Papa and he was an exceptional uncle and good friend to all.

Rick is survived by his mother, Janet Bessette; wife Roxane; brothers Tom (Nancy), Dan (Moira), Paul (Vickie) and sister Joy Bessette; children Matthew (Jenn), Tyler (Haley) Bessette, Taylor (Bethanie), Chad and Lance (Chrystal) Montilepre and his five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his dad Leo; his son Anthony; his nephew Luke and his infant brother Michael Bessette.

There will be a celebration of Rick’s life on Thursday, July 19 from 3-5 p.m. at the Loleta Fire Hall. We encourage all to come and visit.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Rick’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.