Merle Alden Bassett Jr.
October 09, 1940 - October 03, 2018
Lake Forest CA
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Merle Alden Bassett Jr.
October 09, 1940 - October 03, 2018
Lake Forest CA
Obituary
Obituary
Merle Alden Bassett, Jr.
Written by Brittany Quintero, Daughter
Merle Alden Bassett, Jr., age 77 of Lake Forest, CA passed away peacefully in his home on October 3, 2018. He is survived by 4 daughters, Cathy Townsend, Cindy Coloroso, Caroline Okelley and Brittany Quintero. He is survived by 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, whom he loved dearly.
Early years
He was born October 9, 1940; to Merle and Olive Bassett (deceased), and brother to Loretta, Patti and Pete. He lived on a farm in the little town of Delano, CA. He grew up a simple farmer boy, but his dreams and ambition showed he was destined to leave an impact on this world and in the lives of everyone he touched. He did exactly that.
He was a natural athlete and after graduating from Delano High, he attended UCLA in Los Angeles, CA. While attending UCLA, he played defensive tackle on the university’s football team, which led to him being drafted later to the Los Angeles Rams. Leaving football behind, ultimately, he decided to pursue a career in business. He remained an active alumnus up until his passing. He was involved in the Kelps Club, UCLA boosters and donated to various funds, causes and campus organizations on an annual basis. He graduated in 1961 with a degree in business which led him to embark on his career in the electrical supply field.
Later years
He was a phenomenal man and loving father, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, friend and mentor. He passionately cared about the people in his life and when he walked into a room, people just gravitated toward him. He had an incredible career spanning over 50 years and lived life to the fullest. He had a gentle and caring heart and defined “old school,” which is one thing that everyone adored about him. He took pride in his appearance and always dressed to the nines.
Merle worked at Main Electric Supply over five years, as an Ambassador and also in business development. His Main family meant the world to him. He truly thrived while being a part of such an amazing organization. Our family will forever be grateful to the Main Electric family and all they did for him. He often mentioned how much he loved working at Main Electric, how much fun he had, how much he believed in the company and core values, but more importantly how much he adored, appreciated and respected each person he got the pleasure to know over the years. He worked up until the last 2 weeks of his life, which is a true testament to his character and ethics.
He has endured so much over the years, including having a heart transplant 21 years ago at UCLA, however, he did not take one day for granted. He felt so blessed for a second chance at life. He continued to go back to UCLA and council, be a confidant, a friend, a source of strength and support to those waiting for an organ transplant and those who just had an operation. He spoke to families and remained in contact during the times they needed it most. He truly defined selflessness and compassion.
He left a legacy and an army of people who will always love him, adore him, look up to him and we will all miss him terribly, but we all know we gained an extraordinary guardian angel. He may not be here in person, but he will live on in our hearts forever. He truly is the greatest man, I’ll ever know.
On behalf of myself and the rest of our family, thank you for the calls, emails, texts, cards and prayers. It warms our hearts knowing just how much dad touched so many and left such an impact, which he truly was destined to do. He was one of a kind.
Pallbearers:
- Pete Bassett (brother)
- Miguel Quintero (son-in-law)
- Brad Townsend (son-in-law)
- Vaughn Coloroso (grandson)
- Ross Downey (brother-in-law)
- Dr. Richard Caso (cardiologist/long time friend)
Honorary Pallbearers:
- Scott Germann, Main Electric
- Derek Germann, Main Electric
- Ted Tesman, long time friend/colleague
- Dave Holland, Main Electric
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS,
PLEASE DONATE TO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS IN MERLE’S HONOR:
UCLA
-Chancellor’s Greatest Need Fund
https://giving.ucla.edu/campaign/Donate.aspx?SiteNum=690&Fund=63161O&_ga=2.68596817.1532453402.1539809610-1801947110.1539809610
-Then Now Forever Fund
https://giving.ucla.edu/campaign/Donate.aspx?SiteNum=690&Fund=63161O&_ga=2.68596817.1532453402.1539809610-1801947110.1539809610
Cedars Sinai Heart Institute
https://giving.cedars-sinai.edu/ways-to-give/tribute-and-memorial-gifts
National Foundation For Cancer Research
https://secure.nfcr.org/page/contribute/main-donation
Visitation
- Date & Time: October 27, 2018 (10:00 AM)
- Venue: Santiago De Compostela Catholic Church
- Location: 21682 Lake Forest Dr. Lake Forest, CA 92630 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (949) 951-8599
Funeral Mass
- Date & Time: October 27, 2018 (10:30 AM)
- Venue: Santiago De Compostela Church
- Location: 21682 Lake Forest Dr Lake Forest, CA 92630-6064 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (949) 951-8599
Graveside Service
- Date & Time: October 27, 2018 (11:45 AM)
- Venue: Ascension Cemetery
- Location: 24754 Trabuco Road Lake Forest, CA 92630 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (949) 837-1331
Celebration Of Life
- Date & Time: October 27, 2018 (1:00 PM)
- Venue: Marriott Courtyard
- Location: 7955 Irvine Center Drive Irvine, CA 92618 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (949) 453-1033
24 responses to Merle Alden Bassett Jr.
Roland Beverly says:
October 25, 2018
Simply the best! A truly lovely human being who touched everyone he met deeply. I will always remember his laugh, smile and joy he brought into my life.
Kellie Mascari says:
October 26, 2018
Merle you were a very special guy. You were always so kind to the kids. Remember when you gave Vinnie that UCLA hat. He wore it everyday! The World was a better place with you in it. We will remember you fondly with all our love.
The Mascari Family
GO BRUINS!!!!!!!!!
Pete Pavicich Sr says:
October 26, 2018
Dear Merle I always knew you an junior my whole life even when we became grown men men. You were my older cousin, who would always let me tag along with you and the older guys. I have such fond memories of my childhood with you. May God Bless and keep you in his arm.
Richard Sandrini says:
October 26, 2018
I’ll miss you Merle
Barbara Sue says:
October 27, 2018
A Kind Gentleman…leaving footprints.