Richard "Dick" Bassett, 82
Richard "Dick" Bassett, 82, OSC USN/USNR (retired) died peacefully surrounded by his family on Aug. 29, 2023, after a brief battle with cancer and cirrhosis of the liver.
He was born in Ellensburg, Washington on Oct. 3, 1940 to Grace and Homer (Skip) Bassett and joined older sister Carol. He spent his early years in Spokane Valley, Washington until he joined the Navy in March 1959.
He met his wife Ann in Oakland, California and they married in 1964. He served as Active Duty from 1959 until 1965 when he and Ann welcomed their daughter Julie.
After leaving the Navy, he worked for Chervon Oil Company. This job moved Dick and his family from Oakland, to Puyallup and Aberdeen, Washington to Fairbanks, Alaska. In 1973, Dick bought the Chevron Service Station in Enumclaw, Washington, where they stayed until 2012, after a brief stint in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
After he sold the service station, he worked many different jobs from Bear Automotive to delivering beer, to selling espresso machines, to working as an OSHA compliance officer for Applus. In 2012, they followed their daughter and her family to the Flathead Valley.
While in Enumclaw, he reenlisted in the Navy as a Reservist in 1983 and served in the Reserves until he retired at 60 in Oct. 2000. He would tell you, "I wasn’t a very good student, but I was a damn good sailor."
During his time in the Navy, he served on the USS Ranger CVA-61, USS Conquest MSO-488, Carrier Group Five, USS Kitty Hawk CV-63 and Carrier Group Three. He also received numerous awards during his years of service including; the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Naval Reserve Meritorious Service (5), Naval Defense Service Medal, and the Navy Reserve Sea Service Ribbon.
He was not only a decorated sailor, but a dedicated husband, beloved father and grandfather. He spent the years after they arrived in Montana caring for his wife as she battled Parkinson’s until her death in early 2022.
He loved being close to his daughter, grandchildren and great-grandson, he enjoyed attending numerous concerts and sporting events over the years. He was a constant figure in his grandchildren’s lives, introducing them to quality coffee and a love of old movies and instilling in them an unwavering respect and appreciation for our service men and women. The lasting impression he left on his family will never leave them and will sorely be missed.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Grace and Homer (Skip); his sister, Carol; and his beloved wife, Ann.
He is survived by his daughter, Julie (Rick); his step-sons; Dan (Marlinda) and Alan; his grandchildren, Samantha (Christopher), James, Melissa, Rickie, Michelle and Julia; and his great-grandchildren, Scott, Shelby, Sidney, William, Caleb, Jacob, Ben and Henry.
A memorial service with reception will be held at 1 p.m. on Sept. 9, at First Presbyterian Church, 540 S. Main St., Kalispell.
The family asks that you please wear your "red, white and blue" if you can.
Arrangements are under the care of Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home.