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The Berkshire Eagle, Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Tuesday, 13 February 2024
Henry Bassett Holt
1929 - 2024
Henry Bassett Holt, 94, of Lee passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 surrounded by his family.
He was born on June 20,1929, in New York City, to Elizabeth and Henry Holt.
The year of his birth created many financial challenges for his parents as well as for the rest of the country. He was fortunate that his grandmother, Carolyn Bassett who lived in Lenox at what is now the Kimball Inn, saw to it that Henry was well educated. He attended Mohunk School in New York, Trinity School in New York City, and the Forman School in Litchfield Connecticut. It was at Forman that he met the love of his life, Mary Dey. His competition for her attention was tough, but he finally won her hand, and they were married on February 21, 1951 at the Central Presbyterian Church in Montclair NJ.
They were together for 71 years until her death in 2022.
Upon graduation from the Forman School, he was retained by the headmaster, John Forman, to continue at the school teaching English and became a house proctor at one of the school dormitories. During this time, John became a close friend and mentor to him, and Henry treasured their relationship. Henry and Mary left Forman School when they were expecting their first child. Henry next entered the insurance industry where he eventually handled large commercial accounts, including the Bronx Zoo, and the Catskill Game Farm. Colorful stories abound from his insurance career, including meetings with the mob, olives, latex, and giraffes. While rising to the position of executive vice president at a major insurance company in New York City, Henry began dabbling in fine art. On January 24, 1975, his employer asked him if he was going to sell art or sell insurance. He quit that day, and a week later sold a group of Antonio Jacobsen paintings, making more money from that one sale than he had made the previous year. He never looked back.
The fine art career he started at the age 45 was good to both Mary and Henry. Henry built wonderful personal and professional relationships during his years in the art business, forging close ties with executives and directors of major museums, auction houses, and galleries. He maintained a spotless reputation in the business and was widely respected. Mary and Henry took pride in their personal art collection. Over the years, they acquired, sold, and donated major paintings by Norman Rockwell, Grandma Moses, James E, Bard, William Harnett, and an original Archibald Willard Spirit of '76. A first-time visitor to their home was almost always taken on the official tour.
Henry loved Lee, Massachusetts and was proud to be a member of one of the town's founding families. He served on the board of the Norman Rockwell Museum during the transition from the Old Corner House to the new Rockwell Museum, the board of the William Munson Proctor Museum in Utica, NY, and the Berkshire Medical Center Patient Advisory Board. He was a 65 year Master Mason, past member of the Lenox Club, the Stockbridge Golf Club, and the Marching and Chowder Society.
Henry loved nothing more than spending time with his family, and with his many friends that were like family to him. One of Henry's favorite things was his Thursday morning breakfast with the boys at Joe's Diner.
Henry was a jokester, and Joe's was one of his favorite playgrounds. As his health and mobility declined, the highlight of Henry's day was his daily car ride with his sidekick son Derrick. They would take off for hours, revisiting Henry's places and exploring new ones.
Henry will be remembered for his warm, loving, caring nature, and for his flashing, blinking smiley pins. He bought them by the hundreds and gave them out to everyone he met. It was his way of bringing a little happiness to others. If you have been a recipient of a Henry Holt smiley pin, please remember his kindness and pass that kindness along.
Henry is survived by his daughter Carolyn and her husband Gary Miksch of Lewes, Delaware; his son Derrick and his wife Victoria Holt of Lenox and Lee, Massachusetts; grandchildren Danielle Miksch, Brandon (Kelly) Miksch, Andrew (Katherine) Holt, Sara (Jacob Conkle) Holt, Charles (fiancee Catherine Cherry) Holt; great-grandchildren Evan, Emma, Evie, Charlotte, and Arthur; and several nieces and nephews. In addition, he leaves his faithful companion rescue dog Nena-Sora. He was predeceased in death by his parents, Elizabeth and Henry Holt, and his sister Elizabeth Beal.
There will be a viewing at Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main Street in Lenox, on Friday, February 16th, from 10:00 a.m. - Noon, followed by a graveside service with Father C.J. Waitekus at Fairmont Cemetery in Lee.
A lunch reception will be held immediately following at St. Ann's Parish Center in Lenox. In lieu of flowers, donations in Henry's memory can be made to the Lee Historical Society, PO Box 170, Lee, MA 01238.
To share memories and stories please visit rochefuneralhome.com.
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Bassett Family Association Database
1929 - 2024 (94 years)