It’s hard to believe it has been 2 years…. On Sept. 23, 2020 we loss a very special person, former ICRM Board Regent of Legislation and Appeals, Les Bossert, CRM.
Over the past two years a dedicate group made up of primarily individuals from the (Bismarck) North Dakota ARMA chapter have worked tireless in creating some sort of tribute for Les who was passionate about the the local chapter and mentoring others. This group was headed up by longtime North Dakota ARMA member, Dawn Cote who was also close friend of Les. Their hard efforts came together this past August when a celebration and dedication of a tree and bench at a local park in Bismark. Family, friends and colleagues (from ARMA, Utility RIM and ICRM) came from all parts of the county to participate in the celebration and dedication. It really showed how much Les meant to so many people.
The weekend started off with a hospitality suite gathering, hosted by CRMs and former ARMA and Utility RIM members, Steve Whitaker, Arlyce Vogal, Gail-Ann McCreery and the local ARMA chapter. Les was passionate about hosting (and preparing food!) for hospitality suites as he saw the importance of networking and camaraderie that that developed when people gather informally.
On Saturday we gathered at a Elk Ridge Park in Bismarck. Les’ son and family live near the park. His grandkids play at the playground near where the tree and bench are situated. Dawn Cote led us through a program to honor Les and his contributions and explained the symbolism of many parts of dedication. Much thought was put into every detail of the dedication as a way to honor Les’ memory. His sons, Evan and Trent, spoke on how humbled and appreciative they were. The outpouring of love and support means a lot to them and reinforces what their dad had talked told them about his caring professional family. Several attendees paid tribute to Les and shared memories and what Les has meant to them as a friend and colleague. I was asked to give a tribute to Les of his professional affiliations. I was honored to speak about his involvement and contributions to ARMA, ICRM and URIM groups which I have known and worked with him over the past 20+ years. We all had a hard time getting through our tributes but found comfort in being together for this special time. We all released green and white balloons at the end of the service. Green and white are the colors of Les’ alma mater, University of North Dakota. It was a very touching and beautiful tribute.
After the program we gathered at a local restaurant for a group lunch and continued to share memories and camaraderie. Several people gathered for dinner later and of course a final hospitality suite gathering!
Les Bossert made a difference and had an impact on so many people. It was wonderful to share this special time with family and friends.
Symbolism during the Tribute and tree dedication (from Dawn Cote, ND (Bismarck) ARMA chapter and organizer):
- Tree: We originally wanted a birch tree because Les’ son (Evan) had one in his back yard and Les ripped off some of the bark and was using it as a piece of paper (and was excited because he was creating ‘a record’ – only Les). LOL a.
- TREE: Due to the soil in the location we selected, Bismarck City Parks Department didn’t feel it would grow well, so we went with a “Northern Empress Elm” because, similarly to the white birch, the Northern Empress Elm will also shed it’s bark and has vibrant burgundy leaves in the fall.
- DISPLAY TABLE: My friend David Watson works for Prairie View Landscaping in Bismarck planted the tree (donating his time and labor to plant the tree). David and I were discussing not having the bench yet, me wanting a table to display Les’ picture/pamphlets, and the birch tree story with David’s wife Sarah, who just happened to know where she could find a table with legs made from birch tree branches! So just by happen-stance, a couple of days before the dedication, we were able to get that beautiful table.
- BLUE RIBBON ON THE TREE: The blue ribbon (donated by Dutch Mill Florist in Bismarck) placed on the tree signifies “Honor” (like the first-place winner in a competition), and outstanding quality, achievement, or reputation (according to Webster’s dictionary). Les knew so many people and was held in high regard for his friendship, knowledge, and dedication to the records profession for many years, so we felt the blue ribbon was very fitting for him.
- LOCATION: Evan (Les’ son), his wife, Lindsay, and their two children: Aubrey and Dylan live close to Elk Ridge Park (and Trent visits them often), so we felt the family would have someplace they could go, knowing their “dad and papa (what the grandkids call Les)” was watching over them and family/friends could visit and remember him.
- BALLOONS: The balloons (green and white) symbolized the University of North Dakota (UND), his alma mater (and many fond memories he shared about his college and fraternity days). The balloon release, after a short moment of silence, was a symbol of peace, tranquility and letting go… And we had the perfect weather for them, just a light breeze to allow them to stay together as they floated to the heavens…
Plaque reads: “If live has taught me anything, it’s to appreciate other people’s skills, abilities and perspective on issues. Never take anything for granted.” – Les Bossert
THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES!
TREE AND BENCH GIVEN IN MEMORY OF LES BOSSERT
I can’t believe it’s been two years already. Still feels like yesterday that you gained your wings. Miss your caring spirit and sense of humor! Just not the same without you.
Written by Paula Sutton, CRM, IGP
