Obituary of Dale Bassett

Dale Bassett, a long time resident of Upper Cutbank passed away on Monday, January 20, 2014 in Prince George, B.C. at the age of 74 years. Dale was born on October 16, 1939 in Dawson Creek as the oldest child of Dorothy and Ed Bassett. He attended the Upper Cutbank School until seventh grade with his brothers, sister, cousins, and friends. After Grade 7 he went to work skidding ties for his family; he received a 30-30 Winchester rifle for his first winter's pay. He continued working at various sawmills around Dawson Creek for his dad and uncles. Dale and Pat met at a dance. By the end of the evening Dale was able to stake his spot next to Pat. This eventually led to Dale asking Clayton Haugen if he could continue to date his daughter Pat. Long story short, it was a good match. Pat and Dale were married on February 11th, 1961. A blue blanket containing a healthy baby named Clay Edward was welcomed on December 14th of that same year. Dale continued working in sawmills clearing sites, like out at the Bennett Dam working for Dudley Moore. He would also travel and work up North for Beattie Construction where they would be sleeping in their bunks while moving the bunk houses in CAT trains. Their family expanded to include a sweet faced baby boy Wade Allen in June 1964 and then a dark eyed little girl Carolyn Dale in May 1967. The family was complete, a baby girl to finish things off. Dale quit going North in the winters in about 1968 and was able to stay closer to home by purchasing a sawmill from Donny Bassett and working in the Stewart Lake area for about three years. Then the 'Big Decision' came to farm full time after purchasing his home quarter and the old homestead site from his father's estate in 1969-1970. He would work away from the farm for the next few years, with the Ministry of Transportation, Bill Young Logging, North Caribou Logging, and also with his brothers Ken & Rick to help funnel the money back into the Farm to keep things rolling. Pig farming was the first livestock venture at the farm. It was the perfect training for the work that was needed after Dale hauled 25 sows into town so he would have enough money for a down payment with the Feeders Association to purchase 20 bred heifers. Clay and Wade were very excited to see the ass end of those pigs going onto the trucks. Cattle turned out to be Dale and Pat's favorite lifestyle and it suited them very well. Dale continued expanding the Ranch and in 1987 and sent 5 of his precious cow-calf pairs to town to help a new enterprising business get started; W&D Contracting. Wade, Clay and Dale jumped into business together. It was full steam ahead for many years until the winter of 2002-2003 when he devoted his time back to the farm full time. Dale's grandchildren were all treated to the chores of ranching and the joys of spending some time with Grandpa and Grandma. He was extremely proud of all his grandchildren's ability to work and their capability to do whatever they set their minds to do. Dale was a believer in the idea that one had to work hard and earn what they need and what they desire. He instilled this attitude into all his children and grandchildren; this was a great legacy for him to pass onto his family. Dale was predeceased by his parents Ed and Dorothy Bassett and his younger brother Rick. Dale is survived by his loving wife Pat, children; Clay (Trina), Wade (Cindi), and Carolyn (Mike), grandchildren; Derek (Kahla), Blaine (Zoe), Caitlyn, Morgan, Brooke, Cassie (Mike) and Brennan, great grandchildren; Payton, Sierra and Daxton, his sisters; Doreen (Harold) McQueen, Penny Shoemaker, and Jan Bassett (Gary), his brother Ken (Sharron) Bassett, sisters-in-law; Eileen Bassett, Jean Allen, Joanne Bedell, Theresa Haugen, and Lois (Dennis) Dober, along with numerous nieces and nephews and many more great nieces and nephews and even some great-great nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Dale's Life was held on Saturday, January 25, 2014 at 1:00 pm at the Cutbank Community Hall. Pauline Haycock officiated. Interment will be at a later date. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Dale to the Canadian Cancer Society 1000-105th Avenue Dawson Creek, B.C. V1G 2L4 Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium