Colin Bertrand Bessonette

Colin Bertrand Bessonette, 86, a resident of Atlanta since 1966, died on July 6, 2026, in Atlanta, due to respiratory complications. He was born on January 20, 1940, in Austin, Texas, the second son of Dr. and Mrs. William Van Bessonette.

Colin was married to the love of his life, Elizabeth Jane Sykes of Mount Airy, North Carolina, on November 29, 1969. They have two children, John Colin Bessonette of New York City, and Claire Elizabeth Bessonette Sieber of Miami. John and his wife Ginger Thames Bessonette have two children, Anna and Jack. Claire is married to Edward Sieber.

Colin grew up in Texas, Michigan, Alaska and North Carolina. He was graduated from Wake Forest University. He served six years in the Air National Guard, first as a member of the 263d Combat Communications Squadron, North Carolina ANG, in Badin, North Carolina, and then in the 116th Communications Squadron, Georgia ANG, on Dobbins Air Force Base, Marietta, Georgia.

Colin spent his entire career in the newspaper industry, beginning as a copy editor at the Winston-Salem Journal, where he worked full time while attending Wake Forest University. In 1966, he moved to Atlanta to join the copy desk of the Atlanta Journal, editing news articles. Over the years, he was promoted to picture editor, assistant Sunday editor, and editor of the Dixie Living (Sunday features) section. He later served as the newspaper's travel editor for nearly two decades, traveling extensively throughout the world. His travel articles were syndicated and published in newspapers across the country. His final position was writing the newspaper's "Q&A in the News" column. Colin's love of exploring and discovering new places inspired him to write Back Roads & City Streets: Weekend Getaways in and Around Georgia, which was published in 1984.

Colin and Elizabeth were long time members of St. James United Methodist Church, and before that, Peachtree Road United Methodist Church. In retirement, Colin enjoyed frequent golf outings with his friends, swimming, travel (including annual trips to Canada), visiting his children's families, spending time with the family’s dogs and other activities. Although he did not serve in World War II, he was invited to join the Atlanta World War II Roundtable. Colin often said that his fellow members of the Roundtable, including those who served in WW II, as well as other conflicts, were among the greatest inspirations of his life.

Mr. Bessonette is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, his son, John, and his daughter Claire, as well as John’s wife Ginger and their children, Anna and Jack, and Claire’s husband, Edward.

Colin’s memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at St. James United Methodist Church, Atlanta. Memorial contributions can be made to St. James UMC, 4400 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA 30342, or online at stjamesatlanta.org/give, selecting the Memorial and Honorary Gifts Fund.