Raymond Reese Bassett

My dad was willing to help anyone, friend, family or acquaintance with whatever was needed at the time. He didn’t ask any questions, he’d just help. His family was everything to him and he proved it often, time and time again.

He graduated from Gallatin County High School in 1955. His family homestead was in Reese Creek, just north of Springhill. His family donated the 1st acre of what is now Reese Creek Cemetery. This will be the final resting place for my dad.

His grandchildren (Shelbi, Thomas, and Cash) and 1 great grandchild (Emiree age 4) were the light of his life. My dad loved unconditionally. He looked forward to Sunday dinner every week at our house and always commented on how good everything tasted.

My dad was in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1959. He was proud to serve. When he received his honorable discharge, he went to work for the city of Bozeman in the Clerk and Recorder’s office. It was there that he met my Mom, Elaine Haaland. They were married and had 1 child, myself, Amy.

In 1975 my mom and dad bought City Transfer Moving & Storage. They owned the business until 1988 when they divorced. My dad retired for Karst Stage several years later. He loved driving the tour bus, picking up passengers at the airport and driving them to Big Sky. He enjoyed driving families for weddings and a host of other destinations. My dad could talk to anyone about anything; he had the gift of gab. He loved to bowl and bowled for numerous years on league and tournaments. He thoroughly enjoyed all the friendships he made. He was also a brother of the Bozeman Lodge #18, Masonic Temple.

My dad also had a long-time relationship with Robin Sullivan. The relationship dissolved several years later, but they maintained their friendship along the way.

My dad was quite opinionated, hard-headed and stubborn; despite being stubborn, he always had good intentions in mind. My dad was good at carpentry, wood working, and working with leather and numerous other talents. He always wanted to do everything himself and would rarely hire professional help.

His health over the last few years was declining, and up to 3 months ago, he never said a word that he wasn’t quite well. At the end I got to spend the last of his days sitting with him day and night. He will be missed, but he was loved and I will always honor him. We all will.

My dad was preceded in death by his parents, Elard and Mildred Bassett; his brother Ronny; and numerous aunts and uncles. He leaves behind Amy (Randy) Cline, Shelbi Feiden, Emiree, Thomas Feiden and Cash Cline; his brother Larel (Ruth); their two boys Randy (Lexie) daughter Carolyn, and Jeff (Ellie) daughters Amanda and Kristine. He is also survived by his neighbors, whom he had a close knit friendship with, his school classmates that met every Thursday for dinner all over town and many more friends. He loved you all. Goodbye for now dad.

Graveside services at Reese Creek Cemetery will be on Thursday July 14th, 2016 at 5:30pm. Reception following at The 19th Hole Bozeman, MT.