Bedel Henry Saintange

Bedel Henry Saintange was born on August 25th, 1988, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Marc and Sultane Saintange. Bedel was born a first-generation Haitian-American, and along with his older siblings, he inherited the role of family navigator and interpreter as his parents learned to adjust to a new life in the United States. In birth order, Bedel was child number three of six. He held a unique role in the family, and his siblings jokingly referred to him as the “golden child” for how helpful and compliant he always was with his parents' requests. His mother fondly recalls relatives calling Bedel “her purse” because of how close he would stick by her side. He was the epitome of an honorable and respectful son in his youth and as an adult. He grew up in sunny South Florida and graduated from Boyd Anderson High School in 2006. Bedel then went on to attend Oakwood University and obtained his degree in physical therapy. Bedel’s wheels were always turning and searching for opportunities. His plans pivoted after realizing the potential and opportunity of obtaining an MBA, so in lieu of pursuing his graduate studies in physical therapy, he opted to pursue a Master's of Business Administration, with a focus in Human Resources. He completed that degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2014.

A mentor during graduate school introduced Bedel to the world of compensation within Human Resources, and that became his professional love and focus. He was a dedicated employee at each and every place where he worked including: Citi Bank (Tampa, FL), Aflac (Columbus, GA), Lakeland Regional Health System (Lakeland, FL), Phoebe Putney Health System (Albany, GA), Genworth (Raleigh, NC/Richmond, VA), UNC Health (Raleigh, NC), and most recently United Health Group (working from home). Bedel was known to be a dependable and forward-thinking team member. He didn’t shy away from late nights, dotting every i and crossing every t. His direct, no-nonsense nature was a perfect match for his profession: you’re getting a merit increase or you’re not! He was fine to firmly say “compensation does not support that recommendation”.

Throughout his life, Bedel was well known for his dry humor and wit. Only those in his closest circle would have seen his uncontrollable, silent belly laughs (oftentimes accompanied by little tears of laughter). He had a sharp wit that was able to bring laughter (and sometimes an eye roll) to family and friends. He was a quietly generous man who would not hesitate to help if a loved one needed assistance. Of late, he enjoyed nights out with his closest friends at the pool hall or bowling alley. What may come as a surprise to some is how Bedel allowed the Lord to use him in various roles within the church. He was an ordained deacon and Sabbath School superintendent at Fort Lauderdale Seventh-Day Adventist Church. He also served as assistant treasurer at Emanuel Seventh Day-Adventist Church in Albany, GA.

Bedel met his wife, Joy in the Winter of 2013 through mutual friends while they were both graduate students at Nova Southeastern University. They enjoyed countless hours together, carefree dates, and daily talks. Joy fondly recalls their first date: Haverty’s Furniture Store, dinner, and a movie – he chose Haverty’s furniture store because she said she “liked to relax” (Bedel was so clever). He loved Joy wholeheartedly and she never had to question that. Joy and Bedel took their vows at the marriage altar on June 26, 2016 in Longwood, FL and shared 9 wonderful years together. Bedel’s greatest prides and joys were his two sons: Oliver (born in 2017) and Evan (born in 2020). He was a hands-on father and didn’t shy away from doing anything the boys needed: meal prep, baths, researching summer camps and even holding down the fort when Joy needed a “girls weekend” with friends. He was there at school drop-offs and pick-ups and would block his work calendar to make sure that the boys were taken care of. The boys loved their dad and they knew his intricate quirks and how to best approach him and love on him.

To state that Bedel will be missed is a gross understatement. He was so loved and appreciated by many. Bedel is survived by his wife (Judith Joy) and sons (Oliver Maxwell and Evan Wesley). He is also survived by his dear parents, Marc and Sultane Saintange, five siblings and their spouses/partners (Triphose & Chandler Etienne, Sainsmy Saintange and dear Victoria, Kadmiel Caleb and Jasmine Saintange, Dino and Joi Saintange, and Matthew and Tamyka Joseph), 8 beautiful nieces and two handsome nephews. As we remember Bedel, may we honor his legacy by seeking excellence and remaining faithful to God. May we turn our eyes toward Heaven as we await the glorious return of our Savior and the greatest reunions in the presence of our Heavenly Father.