Robert "Bob" Louis Bassett, Sr

In Loving Memory Robert Louis Bassett, Sr My life has been a tapestry of rich and royal hue. An everlasting vision with an ever-changing view. Carole King Robert Louis (Bob) Bassett, 81, of Lakewood, Colorado passed away at his home from acute cardiac failure early on August 14, 2017. He was born in Hill City, Kansas on February 5, 1936, the son of Louis David and L. Daphne Worland Bassett. The family moved to Osage City, Kansas where Bob grew up. Bob attended Osage City High School where he lettered in 3 sports. He served as class president and graduated in 1954. He attended Kansas State College in Manhattan, Kansas for a time before transferring to Kansas State Teachers College at Emporia where he completed his undergraduate degree in Education, as well as his Master’s degree in 1963. In 1961, he married Judith (Dood) Allemang. They had three children and divorced in 1979. Bob taught for 2 years in Junction City, Kansas before moving to Arvada, Colorado. He taught mathematics and computer science at Arvada High School from 1962 to 1992. Bob met Cheryl Norton in 1982 at Green Mountain United Methodist Church where they both attended. They were married on Valentine’s Day, 2/14/1983, in the same church, thereby blending two families. Bob was known for his kind, gentle manner and his analytical mind. He liked to work behind the scenes. After joining Our Savior’s Church, he served on the search committee for a new pastor in 2006. He also coordinated the Haven’s Hope diaper ministry inventory each month for several years. This included not only the purchase and delivery of the diapers, but also managing the costs of the inventory. Bob enjoyed riding his Yamaha 500 motorcycle and had special memories of traveling with the four “banditos”, as they referred to themselves, down the Baja Peninsula. Other interests included vintage cars, photography and downhill skiing especially in the earlier years. He also enjoyed hunting. Whenever he could combine any of these interests with family and friends, he was especially happy. In 1983 our family became involved in Quarter Midget Racing. It was a natural fit for Bob with his interest in cars and racing. It also involved all 3 boys in racing. The teacher in Bob kicked in, and he taught the boys how to maintain and repair their cars. Bob served as Regional Director for the Rocky Mountain Region. Bob was interested in computer games, particularly Nascar Racing. He purchased all the equipment to simulate the racing experience, and then encouraged the kids to beat his fast time. The competition made everyone a faster driver. Bob’s teaching to his 5 children was “do your best” and “keep your promises”. He was so proud of the adults his children had become. He was also proud of his grandchildren and attempted to get to sporting events whenever possible to cheer them on. Bob loved to travel. Each spring break would find him with any family that could join him, in Mazatlán. He was also a member of the Road Runners, an RV camping group that would camp each month in the Colorado area. He loved getting out in the travel trailer with the members. Bob also enjoyed 3D puzzles, Sudoku puzzles, and recently, as his energy declined audio books. The memory of Bob will remain with all those who were given the privilege of knowing him. Bob is survived by his wife, Cheryl Bassett; children Cherie Cobb (m Michael) of Dolores, Colorado, Michelle Atwood (m Bruce) of Loveland, Colorado, Robert Bassett, Jr (m Dana) of Morrison, Colorado; step-children Scott Norton of Denver, Colorado and Gregory Norton of Denver, Colorado; grandchildren, Bailey Bassett, Reese Bassett, Joclyn Bassett, Jessica Atwood, and Madison Atwood; step-grandchildren Garrett Cobb and Vincent Norton; brother-in-law, Brian Davies; sisters-in-law Coleen Oleski and Janice Thompson; nephews David Davies, Mark Davies and Chris Davies and other nephews and a niece by marriage. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Daphne. Bob wished to be cremated. Interment will be at the Golden Cemetery, Golden, Colorado. The memorial service is scheduled for Saturday September 9, 2017 at 11 am at Our Savior’s Church, 1975 S Garrison St, Lakewood, CO 80227. A reception will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association or Our Savior’s Church.