Obituary

Dana F. Besecker, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully with his wife Jill and sons Jeff and Tyler by his side due to complications from Parkinson’s disease. He was 72 years old.

Dana was born on December 11, 1949, in Spokane, Washington to Robert and Joan Besecker. One of five children, Dana grew up in Issaquah where he learned the value of hard work, determination, and resilience at an early age. He graduated from Issaquah High School in 1967 and attended the Air Force Academy Prep School, followed by the University of Washington where he was affiliated with Sigma Nu fraternity.

For two years, Dana played basketball at the University of Washington, but was forced to leave the University for financial reasons. He transferred and graduated from Western Washington University in 1972 where he also played basketball. Dana did not leave the University of Washington empty-handed though. He met a special girl, Jill, who eventually became his wife in 1974. Dana loved being a Husky and returned to earn an MBA from the UW School of Business.

Dana spent his early days as a parent volunteering at the Bellevue Boys and Girls Club as a basketball coach. He coached both his sons and numerous athletes who to this day still talk about “Coach Besecker.” His coaching voice was very distinguishable, and he could often be heard yelling, “Get back” referring to his team sprinting back on defense. Dana loved coaching for not only the competition, but what he could teach the players about hard work, commitment, and being a team player.

While playing basketball at Western, his coach, Chuck Randall, introduced Dana to reef net fishing. Due to his lifelong love of fishing and interest in business, he embarked on a 48-year career in the seafood industry. His journey in the industry began in Astoria, Oregon with Bumble Bee Seafoods and Barbey Packing.  He also made stops in San Diego (Bumble Bee) and Seattle (Peter Pan Seafoods and Rainier Seafoods.). He founded the Dana F. Besecker Company in 1989 which is located on Mercer Island, WA with additional offices in Bellingham, WA.

As a fish wholesaler and processor, his company buys seafood from fishermen in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, and Canada. His company now sells seafood in 58 countries. He was well-known and highly respected within the industry as a leader, innovative businessman and mentor to many, as well as an honest professional–his word was his bond! Dana was a trustee of Halibut Association of North America, a sponsor and longtime supporter of Fishing Vessel Owner’s Association, and an active participant in the International Pacific Halibut Commission.

Dana’s passions included his family, boating with family and friends at his home on Lake Chelan, family trips to Cabo and Hawaii, Husky football and tailgating, basketball, coaching, fishing, and joke telling. In addition, Dana will always be remembered for his tenacious, hardworking, dedicated, “larger than life” personality with a “heart to match.” Dana also possessed a unique ability to make everyone feel valued and special.  His legacy in the seafood business will live on through his son Tyler and future Besecker generations.

Dana is predeceased by his parents, Robert and Joan Besecker, and siblings, Robert Besecker Jr., Karl Besecker, and Andrew Besecker.

Dana is survived by his wife of 47 years, Jill (Simonarson) Besecker; his sons, Jeff (Joci) Besecker and Tyler (Ashley) Besecker; his grandchildren, Jack, Jane, Grace, and Gianna Besecker; his sister, Pamela Thompson; four nieces and one nephew; and special friends for whom he was known as “Big D.”

A private family burial took place on Friday, April 22, 2022, at Greenacres Memorial Park in Ferndale, Washington. A “Celebration of Life” will take place in the near future.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Dana’s memory to Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation at www.nwpf.org/give or mailed to: NW Parkinson’s Foundation,  3010 77th Ave SE Suite 101, Mercer Island, WA 98040.