Richard Frank Bassett

Richard (Dick) Frank Bassett OSC USN/USNR (retired) died peacefully surrounded by his family on August 29, 2023 after a brief battle with cancer and cirrhosis of the liver. Dick was born in Ellensburg, Washington on October 3, 1940 to Grace and Homer (Skip) Bassett and joined older sister Carol. Dick spent his early years in Spokane Valley, Washington until he joined the Navy in March 1959. Dick met his wife Ann in Oakland, California and they married in 1964. He served as Active Duty from 1959 until 1965 when he and Ann welcomed their daughter Julie. After leaving the Navy, Dick worked for Chervon Oil Company. This job moved Dick and his family from Oakland, to Puyallup and Aberdeen, Washington to Fairbanks, Alaska. In 1973, Dick bought the Chevron Service Station in Enumclaw, Washington, where they stayed until 2012, after a brief stint in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After he sold the service station, he worked many different jobs from Bear Automotive to delivering beer to selling espresso machines to working as an OSHA compliance officer for Applus. In 2012, they followed their daughter and her family to the Flathead Valley.
While in Enumclaw, Dick reenlisted in the Navy as a Reservist in 1983 and served in the Reserves until he retired at 60 in October 2000. Dick would tell you, “I wasn’t a very good student, but I was a damn good sailor.” During his time in the Navy, Dick served on the USS Ranger CVA-61, USS Conquest MSO-488, Carrier Group Five, USS Kitty Hawk CV-63 and Carrier Group Three. He also received numerous awards during his years of service including: the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Naval Reserve Meritorious Service (5), Naval Defense Service Medal, and the Navy Reserve Sea Service Ribbon.
Dick was not only a decorated sailor, but a dedicated husband, beloved father and grandfather. He spent the years after they arrived in Montana caring for his wife as she battled Parkinson’s until her death in early 2022. Dick loved being close to his daughter, grandchildren and great-grandson, he enjoyed attending numerous concerts and sporting events over the years. He was a constant figure in his grandchildren’s lives, introducing them to quality coffee and a love of old movies and instilling in them an unwavering respect and appreciation for our service men and women. The lasting impression he left on his family will never leave them and will sorely be missed.
Dick is preceded in death by his parents, Grace and Homer (Skip), his sister Carol and his beloved wife Ann. He is survived by his daughter, Julie (Rick), his step-sons; Dan (Marlinda) and Alan. His grandchildren Samantha (Christopher), James, Melissa, Rickie, Michelle and Julia. And his great-grandchildren; Scott, Shelby, Sidney, William, Caleb, Jacob, Ben and Henry.
A memorial service with reception will be held on Saturday September 9, 2023 at 1:00 PM and will be at First Presbyterian Church, 540 S. Main Street, Kalispell.
The family asks that you please wear your (red, white and blue) if you can.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard Frank Bassett, please visit our floral store.