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Wing Mortuary ? Lehi ? 3 February 2025
M. Chris Bassett
M. Chris Bassett, 73, passed away peacefully, in the early morning, on January 31st, 2025, with his eternal sweetheart, Cathy, at his side, after a long battle with complications from Parkinson's disease.
Chris was born on March 25th, 1951, as the fourth child to Walter and Ruby (Clark) Bassett. Walter and Ruby divorced when Chris was a toddler. Ruby later married Ralph West. Chris grew up in their blended family in Pleasant Grove, Utah.
Chris learned to be a good mechanic from an early age. He received a car at age 15, and since he couldn't drive yet, he completely tore it apart and put it back together, including a new rebuilt Chevy engine. He had a knack for figuring out how things worked and could fix anything. After graduating from Pleasant Grove High School, he was called to serve an LDS Mission in the West Germany Mission. His mission was cut short due to injuries from being hit by a car while riding his bike.
He met Cathy Colleen Thompson in 1968, at a church Stake dance. After Chris' mission, they were married and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on June 25th, 1971. Chris and Cathy initially lived in Provo but moved to Orem, where they started their family. Their first three children (Bryan, Chad, Dustin) were born while living in Orem. Chris worked at Boyer's Automotive in Provo. He was a hard worker and excelled as a proficient auto mechanic.
Chris and a longtime friend often worked on project cars. He built the motors while his friend handled the paint. In 1976, his 1957 Chevrolet truck clinched first place at the Utah Autorama, a prestigious classic hot rod competition. He loved reminiscing about that award-winning truck, which he proudly kept throughout his life.
In 1975, Chris began working at Gene Harvey Chevrolet as a mechanic and soon became the Service Manager, serving for nearly 40 years in total. "Mr. Harvey" was like a father to him. To Chris, the dealership was more than just a workplace - it was like family, and he cherished the mechanics and the team that kept it running smoothly. Throughout his career, he earned numerous accolades, including Service Supremacy Awards and multiple Rocky Mountain Chevrolet Dealers Service Manager of the Year honors. Chris consistently went above and beyond, touching countless lives with his dedication both at work and everywhere else. Chris always put his family first, helping them in every facet of life. He also helped friends and strangers alike, regardless of what they needed.
Chris and Cathy moved to Lehi, Utah, in April of 1976, and continued to grow their family with three more children (Todd, Amy, Trent). Amy, the only girl of six children, was always referred to as his "little princess." Chris was a devoted father and grandfather who cherished spending time with his family. He loved coaching his children's baseball, basketball, and soccer teams, as well as sharing in their many adventures. Together, they enjoyed both snow and water skiing, boating, jet skiing, and camping-always embracing the thrill of the outdoors.
Chris had a passion for hobbies that connected him to loved ones. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his grandpa Clark and Uncle Dee, a tradition he later carried on with his own children and grandchildren. His love for outdoor adventures was matched only by his enthusiasm for anything with a motor. As a true racing enthusiast, he had a deep passion for NASCAR, especially his favorite driver, #3 Dale Earnhart Sr.
Chris was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served in many callings, including two Bishoprics. He and Cathy also served together as missionaries in the Church's Addiction Recovery Program. Chris had a deep love for service, especially when it involved mentoring young men. He cherished his time in the Young Men's program, particularly a memorable trip paddling the lakes and rivers of Yellowstone National Park at Camp Loll with his sons. One of his greatest sources of pride was seeing all five of his sons earn their Eagle Scout Award and serve missions, and his daughter achieving the Young Women's Recognition Award.
He was a man of faith and testimony, quietly living his beliefs. Chris was always there to support and uplift his family with love and encouragement in all their endeavors, alongside his eternal sweetheart. Cathy was the love of his life and his greatest support. She cared for him devotedly until he departed from this life. His life and huge heart touched everyone he met, leaving a lasting impact. We love him with all of our hearts, and he will be deeply missed.
Chris is survived by his wife, Cathy, six children: Bryan (Suzie), Chad (Terral) Dustin (Kate), Todd (Jennifer), Amy (Milo) Lines, Trent (Whitney), twenty-six grandchildren, and two great grandchildren, four brothers, Ike, Theo, Kerry, Stacy, and two sisters, Linda and Carleen. He is preceded in death by his fathers, Walter Bassett and Ralph West; mother, Ruby Clark; sister, Toinette Barnson; and brother, Sid West.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 8th, at 11:00 AM, at the Lehi Utah Meadow View Stake Center at: 851 North 1200 East, Lehi, Utah 84043.
Viewings will be held on Friday, February 7th, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM, and again Saturday from 9:30 - 10:30 AM at the same Stake Center.
Interment will be at the Lehi City Cemetery immediately following funeral services.
A special thank you to, first and foremost, his loving wife for her constant support and care in his final years and to all those who spent many hours caring for and serving Chris in his later years, especially those at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Center in Lehi, Utah.
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