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MT Standard, September 7, 2016
Robert M. Bassett, 76 (Picture included)
Bob passed away in the early morning hours of July 27, 2016.
He ended a long bout of pancreatic cancer by his own hand, using his pain medications, when he could no longer eat and had become very weak. Bob spent his last night on a beautiful sagebrush-covered hill above town in the company of two friends, talking and reading aloud some of his favorite poems. He was in good spirits and claimed to be physically comfortable. As the morning light began to rise, he casually stated that the time had come to "get on with it," and began taking his medications, never displaying the slightest sign of apprehension as his end approached.
Bob was born to Hugh Gale and Gertrude Bassett in Alhambra, California, on June 28, 1940. He moved to Montana with his family and graduated high school in Missoula. He served on active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps for almost four years beginning in June 1958 and was discharged with a Good Conduct Award. While on reserve status he began studies at the University of Montana, but did not immediately go on to graduation. His college education was gained in three separate episodes, and he graduated at the age of 45, majoring in the Russian language with a 3.9 GPA and a President's Recognition Award.
Bob met his future wife, Sonya Blevins in 1986 while studying Russian at the university. They subsequently worked together at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, Russia during three periods from 1990 until 2008, living in Missoula and then Butte during the interim periods. Bob and Sonya were together for 25 years until their divorce in 2011. They remained good friends until Bob's recent death. Sonya currently lives in Guangzhou, China where she works at the U.S. Consulate. Bob received a Franklin Award for his service at the U.S. Russian Embassy.
Bob enjoyed playing chess and backpacking in the mountains. The beauty of the wild Montana landscape and the living creatures it shelters were his spiritual touchstone. Writing was the main preoccupation of his life. Two novels, "Song of Isaac" and "Blue Shift" were his most notable works.
Bob was a gentle, kind, generous and highly intelligent man, a political idealist and a peace activist. He was a volunteer for the Foster Grandparents program.
Sue Folawn of San Mateo, California is Bob's surviving sister.
Bob's friends will be holding a potluck memorial for him at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at the home of George Waring and Mary Kay Craig, 518 W. Granite St. Anyone who wishes to come is welcome. Any enquiries can be made to Don Vance, 406-498-4683.
Express condolences at www.mtstandard.com.
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Bassett Family Association Database
1940 - 2016 (76 years)