Clarke Victor Besse was born in Biggar, Saskatchewan on March 24, 1929. His parents were Clarke Leslie (Squirt) Besse and Agnes Just (Hood) Besse. Victor is the eldest of five children.

Victor grew up and went to school in Biggar. His early skill at hockey and baseball led to coaching junior players in both sports. He was also a volunteer empire and referee for minor sports leagues. Vic served the community as Referee in Chief, and as Chair of the Biggar Recreation Board for several terms.

As a teenager Victor was an avid Air Cadet. During WW II he was too young to join a regular Military Service. In 1957, Vic became a Cadet Instructor and received his RCAF Pilot Officer commission. With two promotions he held this commission until his discharge in 1965. For more than 50 years Vic has been an active member of the Biggar Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. He has served the Branch in several Local and Zone capacities. For his dedication to the welfare of returned Service Personnel Victor was awarded the Legion Meritorious Service Medal. High recognition from Dominion Command.

An early interest in Community Affairs led Victor to become a member of the Biggar Volunteer Fire Department. He worked as Fire Chief for six years until resigning in 1972 to pursue a developing interest in local politics. Elected to Town Council in 1974 Vic became Mayor of Biggar in 1976. In this capacity he dedicated his abilities to Town Affairs for 15 years until stepping down in 1991.

Married to Lluella Avis Dirks on June 18, 1951 the couple raised three sons (Donald James, Gerald Victor, Gordon Raymond) and a daughter (Susan Barbara). Victor was employed by Canadian National Railways for close to 40 years. He retired on May 23, 1985 as Chief Transportation Clerk, Biggar Terminal.

As well as those interests already noted Victor has also been a member of the Biggar Masonic Lodge, and has maintained an active role in the congregation of Biggar United Church. For dedicated involvement in the life of his community the then Lieutenant Governor Lynda Haverstock presented Victor with the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal in December, 2005.

Family and Community have been life long interests and Victor will continue in the future to devote his considerable energies to their welfare.

Contributed by Lluella A. Besse