Lasting Memories
Carlo Besio
July 21, 1929-April 11, 2016
Portola Valley, California
Carlo’s talents were many, from accomplished veterinarian to businessman to gardener and wine-maker; he lived his 86 years filled with an energetic love of learning and doing.
He was born in San Jose, CA, to Bert and Mary Besio, both of whom immigrated to the United States from Italy in the early 1900s. Carlo’s immigrant roots were a foundation and an inspiration to him throughout his life.
At a young age, he was a stable boy, then groom, and later riding instructor at the Menlo Circus Club, a place where his love of horses sparked his desire to become a veterinarian.
Knowing that he wanted to attend college, he attended Bellarmine High School on an educational scholarship. After high school, he served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, eventually working as hospital corpsman in Japan.
His years in Japan became another significant influence upon him, and his bonsai garden and later partnership as a co-founder of Happi House Restaurants (1972) shows the impact Japan had upon his life.
Carlo returned to California after his service in Japan and attended the University of California at Davis after the Korean Conflict, where he enrolled in veterinary school but just as importantly, where he met his wife of 58 years, Jane Besio, who survives him.
He and Jane moved to Portola Valley where they ran the Portola Valley Veterinary practice for 36 years, and also raised their four children, Kim Besio (Waterville, Me), Kathryn Besio (husband, Paul Berkowitz, Hilo, HI), Kristy Besio (Portola Valley, CA) and David Besio (wife, Marisa Lin, San Francisco, CA). Carlo also had three grandchildren, Kylie Harris (Ashland, WI), Dylan Bernard (Hilo, HI), and Elvie Besio (San Francisco).
Portola Valley residents remember Carlo along the soccer sidelines as well as in the veterinary office and in their barns and fields.
In the years since Carlo's retirement from his veterinary practice, he worked at Happi House but his passion became growing grapes and making wine. Carlo's love of his vineyard and wine rekindled his interest in his Italian ancestry and he traveled to Italy to study Italian where he and Jane experienced la dolce vita.
Carlo spent his final days at home in Portola Valley with immediate family.
April 29, 2016
My brother-in-law, Carlo, was a true Renaissance man, his knowledge broad, who was generous with his time and was always available to give me good advice, whether about business, investment or just personal. Although I have always lived far from him, it was always fun to visit and be around him and his family, and hear stories as he showed off his home and animals, his wonderful bonsai collection, vineyard and garden spot, the clinic, winery and Happi House. My daughter also had a great summer with the Besio's the year we exchanged children. Memories include family dinners, his wines he has shared, Italian bean seeds his father brought from Italy and that I still grow. He is missed.
April 27, 2016
I will never forget my favorite Vet,, from 1959 until Carlo gave up his practice! His influence on my husbands and my son was huge! We will always be grateful for the many years our son spent under Carlo's guidance. Thanks Carlo and Jane! Sincerely, Ursula
April 26, 2016
Such a wonderful man..he was our Vet for our horses at Webb Ranch in Portola Valley for years.He was such a gentle and kind man, so good with the horses...God Bless you Dr. Besio.......
April 25, 2016
Dear Jane and Family. Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss. Carlo was an admirable and accomplished person for whom I had the greatest respect since our days in vet school. While life's circumstances kept me far from California, I consider myself very blessed to have spent a little time with him in recent years. Sincerely, Dick and Sally Mason
April 17, 2016
Carlo was a loving family man, wise, gentle, who was always ready to listen patiently (or not), had a great sense of humor. His interests were myriad - from animals to gardening, wine making to appreciation of fine food. He married my sister Jane when I was in junior high and has always been an important influence in my life. I will always treasure memories of Carlo & his family.