Obituary of William Arthur Besfer, Jr.

William A. “Mr. Bill” Besfer Jr. age 68, of Boulder, passed away on September 26, 2014 at TRU Community Care Hospice in Louisville.

A celebration of life will be held at St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church, 4775 Cambridge St, Boulder, CO 80301 on October 6, 2014 at 1:30 P.M. Military Honors will be provided by the United States Navy.

On March 13, 1946, William was born in Ossining, NY to William A. Besfer Sr. and Frances Libby. He graduated from McArthur High School in San Antonio, TX and attended Southwest Texas State College in San Marcos, TX. He went on to serve in the United States Navy from July 1966 to July 1970 as a Radio Operator.

He was stationed in Sasebo, Japan where he met his beloved wife Reiko. They married in January 1970 in Fukuoka, Japan. The couple relocated to Oklahoma City where William and a friend created a new electrical air-conditioning system for the Aero Commander small airplane. The couple eventually made their way to the Boulder area where they have resided for the past 44 years. William started his career in Boulder, at Arapahoe Chemicals, as a Chemical Operator. He moved his way up through Syntex, Roche, and ended his career at CH2M HILL as a Senior Piping Designer.

He was a dedicated father and husband and possessed a great sense of humor and wit. His passion was collecting beer memorabilia and had a large Japanese beer can collection. He was an active member of the American Breweriana Association.

William is survived by his wife Reiko of Boulder, CO; step mother, Betty Jo “BJ” Besfer of Dallas, TX; Son, William “Ed” (Melissa) Besfer of Centennial, CO; daughter, Kelly Besfer of Erie, CO; brothers, Brian (Donna) Besfer of Canyon Lake, TX; Bruce (Brandy) Besfer of Windcrest, TX; Robert Besfer of Windcrest, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Contributions: American Breweriana Association – Columbine Chapter 2793 Fairway Pointe Dr. Erie, CO 80516 or TRU Community Care, 2594 Trailridge Drive East, Lafayette, CO 80206. http://TruCare.org