A Missing Piece of the Show
For me, attending a car show has always been about much more than the rows of classic vehicles, the brilliant paint jobs, or the photos I capture.
The true heart of these events lies in the stories parked beside the vehicles: the conversations shared with the owners who pour their souls into preserving history.
For years, one of the highlights of any show was crossing paths with Dick Besler and his meticulously kept 1948 DeSoto. Dick and his car were a fixture, a reassuring presence that made the community feel like family.
When health kept him from making it out to the shows over the past couple of years, the atmosphere shifted. It seemed like a vital piece of the puzzle was missing from the lineup.
It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of his passing. The following excerpt from his obituary written by his son beautifully captures the man behind the wheel:
“Dad had a passion for cars that brought him endless joy throughout his life. His world revolved around his maroon 1948 DeSoto, a car that was much more than a vehicle—it was a source of pride, connection, and countless memories. In the last couple of years his focus revolved around his 74 Dodge Dart. He loved attending car shows, where he could spend hours chatting with fellow enthusiasts and making friends wherever he went.
When he wasn’t out showing off his beloved 48 DeSoto or visiting with others, he could often be found in his garage—tinkering, fixing, creating, and always finding something to keep his hands busy. The garage was his happy place and where so many of his hours were spent doing what he loved.”
Relatives and friends are invited to a Memorial Reception held at Foster’s Garden Chapel, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
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