Bill Jessome
Born In: Whitney Pier
Passed in: Halifax, Canada
Passed on: December 9th, 2013
We've lost one of our greatest storytellers. Bill Jessome died Monday, Dec. 9, 2013, at night, in Camp Hill's Veteran's Memorial Building in Halifax surrounded by loving family. He was 88.
The world was preparing to go to war in Europe when Bill stepped up onto the buckboard, grabbed the reins and began his journey into adulthood in Sydney. Still a young teen, Bill guided his horse drawn wagon through the streets of Whitney Pier making deliveries and earning a few dollars to help out at home. By the time he turned 18 he was ready to serve his family, and his country, far from home. Bill joined up, and went off to fight in Italy.
After the war, Bill was no longer content to roam the streets of his childhood. He fought to protect the world from evil, and he was ready to see what the world had to offer in exchange. That's when the rail-thin ex-soldier spotted a beautiful girl at a bus stop on Charlotte Street. Rose Rizok owned Bill's heart from that first glance until his final breath.
Bill had high hopes for a Pier Boy. He wanted to break into the exciting new field of television. He took his new bride, his dreams and his determination to New England and New York. Bill broke into TV and worked with broadcast legends Ed Asner and Jack Paar. Despite the glitz of The Big Apple and the charm of Beantown Bill answered the call of home. He returned to Sydney and launched a brilliant broadcast career. Bill helped pioneer a tone and style of TV storytelling still copied by young broadcasters today.
Bill's talents took him from the horse drawn wagon of his youth to conversations with prime ministers and royalty. Through it all he never lost touch with that wide eyed young boy on the buckboard. He maintained a personal gentleness and grace honed in humble beginnings.
Bill's broadcast legacy, his honour and his reputation are secure as he marks the end of this journey. Among his many accomplishments he would cite meeting and marrying Rose as the biggest. He might just list the love of their precious dog Muffy as the second.
Rose left this life long before Bill as did their son Richard Rizok. Bill's twin brother Mike and his brothers Aubrey, Phonse and Leo along with his sister Mary Neville and his parents Phonse Sr. and Katherine died before him as well. He leaves behind his brothers Roy and Roddie and sisters Delores Graham and Eleanor George and his cherished grandchildren Michelle, Glenna, Glenn and Jonathan Rizok. We believe he is walking with Rose now as Muffy bounces beside them. Join us as we say good bye to Bill.
Visitation will be at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel, 755 George St., Sydney on Friday, Dec. 13 from 2-4 p.m/ and from 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass will be celebrated at Holy Redeemer Church on Victoria Road in Whitney Pier Saturday morning at 11 a.m.. Reception to follow in the basement of the church.
If you can't be with us please share your thoughts about Bill online courtesy of J.A. Snow Funeral Home in Halifax at www.jasnowfuneralhome.com.
