Fellow Oak Bay Grads, Class of 81....

Hi there. As most of you know, we lost a good friend last October when John Bassett passed away after a brief fight with brain cancer. I have been contacted by many people over the past few months asking if there is charity or memorial fund to contribute to in John's memory. What has been setup is the John H. Bassett Memorial Fund. It has been setup at Trinity College School (TCS), the school John attended after leaving Oak Bay.

The fund will be providing: An annual bursary to defray the cost of tuition for a student of need who is involved in the music program at the school (emphasis on the citizenship qualities of the individual rather than an academic award). A music room at TCS named in memory of John. Unfortunately the suggestion of a smokers common room with high tech sound equipment and a 24 hour bar and McDonald's service was rejected :-)

I just wanted to pass this information on to you all in case you wanted to contribute to this fund in memory of John. Obviously this is a personal choice and the amounts contributed are completely up to each individual.

Couple of other points.....we are trying to have this functional for the upcoming awards ceremony so if contributions could be made by the beginning of May that would be great. Contributions are all tax deductible. (you will be issued a tax deductible receipt).

Contributions may be sent to the following address:

Tracey Rutledge
Executive Director of Advancement
Trinity College School
Port Hope, Ontario
L1A 3W2

Cheques should be made payable to:
Trinity College School Indicate on memo line of cheque that contribution is for the John H. Bassett Memorial Fund.

Thanks....(and feel free to pass this note on to anyone you know who was a friend of John....I'm working from our 20th year reunion email list so it is a bit out of date I'm afraid!)

Eric Johnson email: ericj@ca.ibm.com
 

Obituaries (10/24/03)
Obituaries (10/24/03) BASSETT John Harvey John passed away peacefully on October 17, 2003 in the warm embrace of his loving family and friends in Victoria. Born May 1, 1963, in Woodstock, Ontario. Beloved son of James McLean Bassett and Norma (Landeg) Bassett. Cherished by his brothers David (Carolyn) and their children Westley, Kimberley and Erick, and Richard (Amanda) their children James and Sasha. Lovingly remembered by his uncle, Gordon Landeg. John received his early education at Willows Elementary, Oak Bay Junior and Senior High Schools. At Oak Bay he was an enthusiastic member of the Oak Bay Band and considered himself to be one of Dave Dunnett's boys. His love of music was an integral part of his life. After leaving Oak Bay he attended Trinity College School, Ontario. The friendships he made at school sustained and nourished him for the rest of his life. He attended and graduated from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. John entered the financial services world and enjoyed a career in Toronto, London, England and Switzerland. Latterly he was a foreign exchange specialist in Zurich. John was a unique individual who was passionate about life, family, and friends. He devoted his life to bringing joy to all he encountered. This attribute gained him literally hundreds of friends, spanning four Continents, who all held John in a special place in their hearts. He brought great joy, peace, understanding and a love of life to all. He will be sorely missed and never forgotten. A private service was held on Thursday, October 23, 2003. Cremation followed. A Celebration of John's life will be held at St. Mary's Anglican Church, 1701 Elgin Street, Oak Bay on Saturday November 1,2003 at 1:30 p.m. A reception will follow at the Victoria Golf Club at 1110 Beach Drive. All friends are welcome. In lieu of flowers donations to the B.C. Cancer Foundation, (Research Brain Tumours) at 2410 Lee Avenue, Victoria, BC V8R 6V5 or the Victoria Hospice Association at 1952 Bay Street, Victoria, BC V8R 1J8 would be greatly appreciated.