Charles E. “Chuck” Bassett, 65, of Gladstone, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday May 27, 2018 following a nine-month battle with Pancreatic cancer.
Chuck was born April 13, 1953 in Binghamton, N.Y. the son of Charles W. and Bessie “Betty” (Palmer) Bassett. He was raised in Delmar, N.Y. where he graduated from Bethlehem Central High School. Following graduation, Chuck completed his undergraduate studies at Michigan State University and later received his M.A. degree in Fisheries Management from M.S.U. Upon graduation, Chuck moved to Gladstone where he worked for 35 years for the U.S. Forest Service, retiring in 2013. He continued to volunteer his time to the Forest Service until becoming ill in 2017.
Chuck was an active member of New Life Assembly of God Church in Escanaba where he served on many groups including the Divorce Care Group and he was the Administrator for the Drug Task Force. He led Sunday School courses and served in the boys Royal Ranger program.
Chuck loved fishing, especially with his son’s. He also enjoyed gathering blueberries, working in his garden and following his beloved Spartan’s. He treasured his long walks, runs, and swimming. His faith and his church family were very important to him. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Survivors include:
Mother: Betty Bassett of Delmar, N.Y.
Sons: Troy (Shannon Gerlach) Bassett of Manistique, MI and Tim (Shayla) Bassett of Grand Rapids, MI.
Grandsons: Reid and Finnegan Bassett of Grand Rapids, MI
Brother: Jon (Eve) Bassett of Fort Collins, CO
Sisters: Terri (Gary) Fish of Delmar, N.Y. and Linda (John) Mason of Tulsa, OK
Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive
In addition to his father, Charles, the mother of his children, Christal Ann Bassett preceded Chuck in death in September 2013.
Chuck’s family will receive friends on Saturday June 2, 2018 from 11:30am to 1:30pm at the New Life Assembly of God Church in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Charles E. Bassett will follow at 1:30pm with Pastor Jason Janich officiating and Chuck’s son, Tim, sharing the message. Luncheon will follow in the New Life Assembly Fellowship Hall. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Escanaba and Gladstone are assisting the family.
Becky Kindschi - Berlin, WI
Chuck was such a blessing to us last year and knowledgeable fisherman. His heart for fishing for men was also an encouragement. It seemed so natural to him. His rest is well won good and faithful servant of Jesus the way the truth and the life
Roger and Becky Kindschi
Angie Newell - Delmar, NY
I know Chuck only through his Mom, Betty, and now this brief bio by his sons. He had a wonderful and full life: walked with the Lord and in his ministry blessed his son’s and those around him. We grieve with his family in his loss, and rejoice with them in his gain..all of heaven!
Michael Herman - Garden, MI
So very sad to hear of Chuck’s passing. I worked with Chuck while serving as the Lake Michigan Management Unit Fisheries supervisor in Escanaba. Chuck became an instant friend and we fished together often. He showed me the wonderful fishing opportunities in my management unit and especially in Little Bay de Noc. Chuck loved to fish and was very good at it! He especially liked jig and minnow fishing for walleye in November. Man, those were cold trips! But they were productive since Chuck knew a lot about how to catch walleye.
Chuck Bassett was one of my favorite humans. I aspire to be more like him. My heart is heavy but my spirit light for having the opportunity to know this man. Farewell Chuck, and I look forward to fishing with you in the next place.
Okonek Anne - Cornell, MI
I worked with Chuck on the Hiawatha for almost his entire tenure there. He was a champion for the fisheries resource on the forest and always a pleasure to work with. As I recall he retired early due to back issues, but he was so committed to improving the fishery on the forest that when his back improved, he came back as a volunteer to continue to advocate for the fish program. What commitment! He was well respected by other resource professionals and by conservation organizations with whom he worked closely (such as Wildlife Unlimited of Delta County). He was serious about his work but always had a big smile and easy laugh. Enjoy fishing those heavenly waters Chuck, where riffles abound and there’s no need for sediment basins!
Troy Zorn - Marquette, MI
As a MDNR fish biologist, I found Chuck to be an honest, fun, hard-working person that I enjoyed working with on and off over the years. He was always willing to share everything he was learning from his fisheries management work on the Hiawatha NF. I am saddened for our loss, but am glad that Chuck has found a better place to dwell.
Lee Ann Loupe - DELTA, CO
I worked with Chuck on the Hiawatha from 1993 to 2006. Always the professional and pro-active leader for the fisheries program and the ecosystem. Chuck was a great person and always caring and compassionate person. He was devoted to his kids and wife and faith. He will be missed and remembered by many who’s lives he touched. His faith was strong and his commitment to ministry and helping others reflected by his strong faith. Sending prayers and thoughts for comfort and peace to his family and friends.