William Sessoyeff

William Sessoyeff was born in Iran in 1942 of Russian immigrant parents who had escaped Stalin-era persecutions. His family immigrated to the United States in 1951 and William grew up in southern and central California. At the age of 17, he started full-time work in Los Angeles, holding several jobs including working for Sears.

In 1964, William, joined the United States Army, where he eventually attained the rank of SP-5. He served in Vietnam, earning the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. After his honorable discharge, he was a reservist in the United States Air Force until 1970.

Shortly after his U.S. Army service in Vietnam, William began working as a medical photographer for a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon. This position afforded him the opportunity to serve as the photographer when his employer went on a safari to East Africa. William’s love of photography grew into a lifetime avocation as an art photographer and he participated in many art shows in Los Angeles and Palm Springs.

William worked for many years helping to coordinate volunteers in the decorating of floats for the Tournament of Roses, the annual new year rose parade in Pasadena, California. He even rode on one of the floats.

One of William’s proudest moments was when he was chosen to do the floral design for the introduction of Diet Coke at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles in 1983. He also created floral designs for the opening of the El Dorado Hotel in Reno, Nevada. Nothing made him happier, though, than creating floral arrangements for friends and loved ones.

For over 30 years, William owned Millie Hampshire Studios, a custom lighting establishment in the West Hollywood design district. There he was much sought after by interior designers who wanted the traditional and elegant touch he created in his original and reproduction lamps, shades, chandeliers, and other fixtures. William’s lamps were sold at the design market in High Point, North Carolina and his work found a place in homes and hotels across the U.S. and in many other countries. Shortly after he closed his store he retired to Reno, Nevada.

Among his many talents, William was an avid gardener, jewelry maker, artist, and gourmet chef. His hospitality and sumptuous meals were much appreciated by family and friends, who will miss his big heart and big stories.

William left us suddenly, just a few months after his 80th birthday. He was preceded in death by his brother, Walter (1974), his mother, Raya (2002,) and his father, Ivan (2016). William is survived by his spouse, Tony Durante, his sister, Vera Cronin, his brothers, Pete Sessoyeff, Mike Sessoyeff, and George Sessoyeff, and many nieces, nephews, and friends around the United States and in Australia.

William has joined his risen LORD in eternal life where he now lives in the beauty that is ever ancient and ever new.