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- The San Diego Union-Tribune, California, Tuesday, March 5, 2002
George Henry Bass II Grandson of shoe company founder, 87
George Henry Bass II, who led the G.H. Bass & Co. shoe company founded by his grandfather through some of its most prosperous years, has died at 87.
Mr. Bass died Feb. 24 in Naples, Fla.
During his leadership, the Bass Weejun loafer became the footwear of choice for students in the 1960s.
Mr. Bass served as president, chairman of the board and chairman of the executive committee of the company, which was started as a shoe shop in Wilton, Maine, in 1876.
Mr. Bass was remembered for seemingly knowing the names of all 1,500 people who worked at his factory in Wilton.
"He didn't have an overpowering presence," said granddaughter Alane Bass O'Connor. "He'd introduce himself as 'Hi. I'm George.' "
In the company's earlier years, Charles Lindbergh flew across the Atlantic wearing Bass boots, and Richard Byrd wore Bass boots when he went in search of the South Pole.
After Mr. Bass' retirement, the company was sold to Chesebrough-Ponds and then to Phillips-Van Heusen Corp., which moved the factory overseas in 1998. The company's administrative offices are still in Maine.
He is survived by his wife, Catherine; two daughters; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Portland Press Herald, Maine, Wednesday, March 6, 2020
George H. Bass II
BASS, GEORGE H. II - 87, of Brunswick, in Naples, Fla., Feb. 24. Memorial service 1 p.m. Sunday, March 17, at First Congregational Church, Main St., Wilton. Private burial in Lakeview Cemetery, Wilton, in spring. Arrangements by Wiles Funeral Home, Wilton.
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Bassett Family Association Database
Abt 1914 - 2002 (88 years)
d. 16 Feb 2009 (Age 90 years)