Robert William Bassett, age 97, left this earth on August 22, 2026.

He was born in New Haven, Connecticut, on January 6, 1929, to Paul Adams Bassett and Wilhelmina Anna (Schenetsky) Bassett. He was predeceased in death by his two siblings, Charles and Helen. He graduated from Patchogue High School in New York in 1947. He attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; however, they failed to appreciate his approach to academics, and he left after three semesters. He attended Iowa State College for a brief time before obtaining an associate’s degree from Long Island Agricultural and Technical Institute.

He was in training at IBM to fix computer equipment when he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1951. True to his form, Bob negotiated to have the Army postpone his entrance into the Army until after he completed his training at IBM. He served his country at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and in Heidelberg, Germany. Bob relayed how he fell asleep during an outside lecture on the M1 Rifle and was covered in snow. His sergeant told him to go to the infirmary to make sure he did not have the flu; instead, he sneaked off to investigate how they were maintaining the computers on base. The computer specialists could not figure out how to fix a problem, and Bob volunteered to help out. They found him so useful that they had him stay with the computer maintenance team during some of his basic training while his colleagues had to sleep out in the snow. He was discharged in 1953 and resumed his employment at IBM. He attended night school and obtained a bachelor’s degree in physics from Hofstra University in 1965. He sometimes loved riding a motorcycle to work on Long Island because the gas was so expensive and it was easier to park.

He met his first wife, Jean, while repairing computers. He decided to “start a conversation” with her that eventually led to their marriage on June 19, 1954. Bob and Jean Boehme Bassett had three children together: Steven (Sophia), Nancy, deceased (Jim Bair), and Carol (Jeff O’Dell). Bob continued to treat Steven’s first wife, Diane Bassett, like a close family member. Bob loved spending summer vacations with his wife and children at the cabin his father built in Connecticut. Bob talked about days filled with trap shooting, chopping wood, and playing cards. Jean died from cancer in 1979.

Bob met his second wife, Carole, when his daughter Nancy was in a wedding party and Bob was also invited to the wedding. She challenged (dared) him to ask Carole out for dinner and the challenge was met. Carole was also widowed (George Shugart) and had two children, Eric (Becky) and Bob (Lena). Bob married Carole Shugart Bassett in 1981. Bob was very active with the American Legion, teaching NRA classes, winning multiple shooting competitions, and with his Church. Bob retired from IBM at age 55. He talked a local builder into hiring him at a lower wage in exchange for learning construction techniques. Bob later applied these techniques for many projects and was hauling full sheets of drywall upstairs at the lake house when he was 75 years old. Bob and Carole enjoyed many summers at Carole’s family cottage on Elk Lake in Michigan. Bob and Carole moved permanently to Elk Rapids in 1996 and enjoyed hosting children and grandchildren, sunsets, boating, and barbecues. Carole died in 1999 after battling lupus.

Bob met his third wife, Janet, through their work together on Elk Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Lions’ Club projects, and they both served on the Elk Rapids Village Council. Janet had been widowed for eight years. She and Edward James (Jim) Worthington had three children together, Edward, Gregory (Desiree), and Vincent (Laura). Bob worked up the courage to ask Jan to a few concerts. They spent more and more time together and fell in love. One of Janet’s grandchildren (Brianna, age 7 at the time) asked Bob, “Why don’t you marry my grandma? I never had a grandpa; he died before I was born.” This was on the same day that they told everyone they decided to marry. Bob and Janet Worthington Bassett were married, with the blended family gathered, on a beautiful summer day in July, 2003. They remained very active in local civic organizations and loved hosting even more children, grandchildren, and eventually great and great-great-grandchildren at the house on the Lake and then in the Villages, Florida.

They moved back to Michigan in 2023. Bob and Janet Worthington Bassett shared 22 ½ years before Janet died in 2025. With all of the Clan combinations, Janet and Bob have 27 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren.

Bob has always been a big supporter of community service and was very active with Meals on Wheels, Lions Club, Elk Rapids Chamber of Commerce, and Elk Rapids Village Council. Bob loved playing board games, particularly Rumikub with his gang of friends. Bob said he is a big supporter of higher education, investing money, and planning for the future. He consistently advised saving and investing as much as you can and getting your money working for you. Bob has courageously pursued loving relationships despite his many losses. He said, “You know Love when you see it. Don’t hesitate!” Words of wisdom from Bob: “I have had a great life. I have had three different families, but I actually think of all of you as being one family and I am forever grateful for that. For me, it has been like magic. I have had three successful marriages. I loved each one. It was a different kind of love for each, but I am so happy that we married each other. I am the luckiest guy in the whole world. I have lived a great life. I would like the end to be with nothing but gratitude and acceptance.” His end was certainly overflowing with gratitude, acceptance, and love.

Bob has decided to donate his body to Michigan State University Medical School to be used in the advancement of medical science, teaching, and study. He said he chose this path because he wanted to pay back society for the good fortune he has received. He was very pleased when his acceptance letter came and he said he was excited to be a Spartan.

Bob’s family extends deep appreciation to his friends at the Village at LaFranier Woods Apartments, the loving staff of Comfort Keepers, and Heartland Hospice. All are welcome to join Bob’s family and friends for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 24, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Top-of-the-Park at the Park Place Hotel (300 East State Street, Traverse City, Michigan 49684).

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com