On November 1, 2005, Bessie Hesjedal, age 89, passed away in the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, Medicine Hat, Alberta.

Bessie was the fifth, and youngest, child of Robert and Ada Davis, joining her sisters Isla and Zella, and brothers Robert and Wilbert on the family homestead that lay on the east half of 21-4-24, some seven miles southwest of Bengough. She was born March 6, 1916 in Bengough, Sask.

The Davis home was known for its many house parties during Bessie’s early life. The women always brought lunch to these gatherings, and there was nearly always someone to play a musical instrument. Even though the family home was small, there was always room to be found for a few dances, and everyone present had an enjoyable time. At the age of fifteen, her father’s health became poor and it was necessary for Bessie to leave school to help out at home. Bessie became “quite good at taking a man’s place, and one year drove eight horses in the field, helped with the haying, cleaned barns, or whatever was needed. Like,her father, Bessie was an ardent horse lover, and always had a saddle horse which she usually broke to ride herself.” These horses were Bessie’s means of transportation for many years.” (Bengough History book article on “Robert Davis, by Bessie Hesjedal) With the nineteen thirties taking a toll on farmers throughout Saskatchewan, Bessie’s family was forced to sell their livestock and move to Bengough in 1936. In the spring of that same year, Bessie married Harry Hesjedal, and together the couple took over the family farm. Howard notes that “as the need would be, she was the best hired man ever seen on the farm. She would drive the tractor, pitch hay, milk cows, look after the poultry, drive the truck, and many other things to make the farm function. All of this was over and above looking after all her household duties and raising two sons, Howard and Larry. She was a real farm girl.” (from an email received from Howard Hesjedal, November 2, 2005)

Bessie “was always happiest on the farm. She always had a horse, and loved to ride. She would ride miles to be with her friends.” (from and email received from Howard Hesjedal, Novem-ber 2, 2005) Bessie was also very artistic – “she would always be working at a craft that was popular at the time”, says Howard. In fact, “one time, she pulled a weed out of the garden and (wrapped it in) green paper [in order to create] a Christmas tree for their home.” (from an email received from Howard Hesjedal, November 2, 2005) Bessie not only designed, but created her own clothes – a gift not many can lay claim to. “She would always try to make things look better. For instance, she always had a flower garden on the arid farm, [and] would try with no money to keep the yard neat and tidy, and [adorned] her home with little nick knacks”. (from an email received from Hard Hesjedal, November 2, 2005) Yet Bessie is perhaps best known for her paintings – “dozens of pictures Öscattered across Canada and the United States.” Some of her artwork is displayed here this afternoon, on loan from the many area folk who have been blessed to possess pieces of Bessie’s creative expression.

In 1965, tragedy fell upon the family with the sudden death of Harry and Bessie’s son Larry. Their son Howard had by this time graduated from the University of Saskatchewan as a civil engineer, and was now a land surveyor in Saskatchewan. As well, Howard had married Evelyn Hendricks, and they gifted Bessie and Harry with a granddaughter, Rhonda, and a grandson, Dorlan. With her sons no longer at home, Bessie adopted several dogs over the years, which provided much enjoyment and company to Bessie.

In 1971, Harry’s failing health and his doctor’s orders made it necessary for the couple to sell the family farm and move into town. Having lived on the farm for fifty-five years, this was understandably, and naturally, a very difficult adjustment for Bessie. Bessie found it “very hard to say good-bye to [her] old home and the life [she] loved. (Bengough History book article on “Robert Davis, by Bessie Hesjedal) It’s like the adage, “you can take the farmer from the farm, but never the farm from the farmer.” No truer words have ever been spoken!

Throughout her life, Bessie acquired and developed a love of dancing, and in later years especially, she “and Mabel Pratt, to name just one, danced many miles together. They performed together, [and Bessie] and a number of [her] friends [would often get] together to attend dances and old-time fiddling contests in surrounding areas.” (from an email received from Howard Hesjedal, November 2, 2005). About two years ago, the course of aging made it necessary for Bessie to relocate once again, this time to a care facility in Medicine Hat, where she could receive the care she needed, and to be nearer to Howard and Evelyn. And then, just last month, her body began the natural process of shutting down. No longer fulfilled with what life had for her, Bessie was ready to move on to a new, eternal life. About a week ago, Bessie suffered a fall, leaving her with a cracked pelvis, and was hospitalized. And there, in the hospital, Bessie left this life this past Tuesday, going on to be reunited with Harry, Larry, her parents, sisters, and brothers, as well as all those who had gone before her into God’s realm.

It is said that “a rose that never bursts in bloom cannot turn brown, and candles that are never lit cannot burn down.” Bessie did indeed burst forth in bloom, and shone brightly, in all that life brought to her. Always willing to help out wherever, and whenever, she could, Bessie’s strength of spirit, and loving ways, will be fondly remembered. She will be greatly missed.

Funeral Service was held Saturday, November 5th, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. in Knox United Church, Bengough, Sask. The Reverend Kevin Johnston officiated. Honorary Pallbearers were Sally Hanson, Mabel Pratt, Dorothy Meston, Donna How-ard, Phyllis Mills, and Shirley Carlson. Acting Pallbearers were Grant Mills, Howard Holbrook, Joe Holbrook, Garry Pratt, Kaj Olsen and Larry Leflar. The Music Ministry was led by Knox United Church Choir accompanied by the organist, Jean Little. Selections included Processional – “My Soul Finds Rest In God Alone”, “He Leadeth Me”, and Recessional – “In The Bulb There Is A Flower”. Donations in Memory of Bessie can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Conversation and lunch followed in the Knox United Church Fellowship Hall. Arrangements were entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, Sask.