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- Waco Tribune-Herald, 26 October 2024
Keith Howard Bass
Aug. 16, 1960 ? Sep. 11, 2024
Keith Howard Bass peacefully left this earth to be with the Lord on September 11, 2024, after a courageous 18 month battle with esophageal cancer.
Keith was born to Charles and Retha Bass on August 16, 1960, at Lockbourne Air Force Base near Columbus, Ohio. With his father serving in the Air Force, they soon left Ohio and the family spent Keith's early childhood years in Texas, Montana, and California before settling in Waco when his father retired in 1970. He had wonderful childhood memories, many around family adventures to Yellowstone, Glacier, Yosemite and a particularly memorable road trip to Mexico City. He also spoke fondly of growing up in Waco and the friendships made, many that are still strong today.
Keith graduated from Richfield High School in Waco, Texas in 1978 and went on to earn a Bachelor's degree and a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University. He had a thirst for knowledge and a sincere interest in everyone he encountered. He found great joy in his work throughout the years and was loved and admired by his peers and clients alike. Keith held various positions including Key Account Executive at Montana Power in Butte, Montana and Manager, National Accounts at NIPSCO in Merrillville, Indiana before finding an endeavor that brought him great passion and a sense of pride. Keith helped develop the idea for WWP Energy Solutions (later Avista Advantage) and was recruited to start the company as a founder. Overall, his focus on meeting the needs of customers helped develop an entire industry and his ability to connect with anyone made him perfect for a career in sales and customer service. This experience led him to other positions in energy and sustainability, but the lifelong friendships and memories made at Avista Advantage held a special place in his heart.
With his love of people also came a desire for community involvement. Keith sat on the Montana Governor's Council on Tourism, served as a board member of the Montana Inn-Keepers Association and was a committee member of Edison Electric Institute's (EEI) National Accounts Program for many years. Keith was one of the ad hoc founding fathers of the National Key Accounts program. He and a handful of others were responsible for taking a fledgling little initiative and turned it into the program that it is today. The special connections at EEI continued to be important to him throughout the years.
Keith met the love of his life, Susan Harman, in New York City in September of 2003. They began dating in June of 2004 and were married July 22, 2006. After spending time living in Manhattan, Palm Springs and Dallas, they finally settled on Bainbridge Island in 2009. They enjoyed a rich life together and spent fifteen of their eighteen married years raising their two daughters in a community that they both cherished.
Keith loved his girls beyond measure. He enthusiastically took part in every possible dance recital, basketball game, fundraiser, volunteer opportunity or bike to school day and told anyone that would listen about all the unique gifts and talents that his daughters exhibited. Keith also loved travel and adventure. He visited 49 of the 50 states and loved acting as tour guide on the many trips he shared with Susan and the girls. They enjoyed regular visits to Martha's Vineyard, Waco and Kauai, as well as numerous ski adventures and special trips to France and Monaco. He was an early riser that loved to garden, do DIY projects around the house, cook meals for the family and play cribbage with Susan on the porch. He loved golf and enjoyed regular golf getaways with his brothers and friends.
Family was everything to Keith. There was nowhere he would rather be than with his family and he radiated joy and pride whenever they were together.
Although Keith left Texas in his 20's, he remained a Texan through and through. He loved Texas barbecue, the Houston rodeo, and drives in the Hill Country. He had a Texas drawl and a swagger when he walked, both adding to his undeniable charm. He was a true gentleman with a pure heart and a gentle nature. He was a polished cowboy and a man of deep faith. He lived his life tenaciously and gracefully and in his last days, the doctors expressed awe of his strength and resilience. Keith was a George Strait fan and listened to little else. You could often find him on the porch or working in the yard with George's tunes playing. You would see a smile cross his face when hearing the "hook" of one of George's songs and occasionally, you would even catch a tear in his eye when listening to the lyrics.
Keith is survived by his wife Susan Harman and daughters Graysen and Barrett Bass of Bainbridge Island, Washington, brothers John Bass (Sydna) of Anderson, Texas and Charlie Bass (Sandra) of Houston, Texas, sister Becky Bass of Waxahachie, Texas, and a large and loving extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, a nephew, and in-laws that adored him.
Keith is preceded in death by his parents, Retha and Charles Bass.
Keith loved watching Graysen and Barrett grow in their faith with their involvement in Young Life. Donations in Keith's name can be made to Young Life BINK (Bainbridge Island, North Kitsap).
https://bink.younglife.org/
Special thanks to Dr. Ben Chue and the staff and patients at Lifespring Cancer Center, as well as the community of Bainbridge Island for the amazing level of love and support that they have given Keith, Susan and the girls.
Keith's Celebration of Life will be held November 16th at Bountiful Farm on Bainbridge Island from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM.
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Bassett Family Association Database
1960 - 2024 (64 years)
d. 15 May 2023 (Age 92 years)