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George Bass Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for George Bass
Peg Pearlstein
October 26, 2011
Dearest Jan.. Herb and I went to the annual IFBA convention held in New Jersey this past September and leared of Smokey's passing.. We will NEVER forget how kind you and he were to our son Jeff who is now 35! There were a few stories told at the convention about him and it was nice to hear all good things too.. Take care and be well knowing what a wonderful husband and father he was.. Good memories of good times will help you through the sad times ahead.. Much love, peace and friendship. Herb and Peg Pearlstein
Kathleen Bryant
August 29, 2011
What a great man he was! I was so moved by the stories and fire chief memorabilia! Loved the creative approach to the wonderful mysteries of his life and learned more decade by decade! May he enjoy FULLNESS of life and may you feel his loving support continue! Sr. Kathleen
August 25, 2011
Tim,
Just a comment on the words you said for your Dad. A funeral mass is both somber and joyous (somber for one's loss but joyous for the promise of everlasting life). Your words at St. Cyprian's fulfilled these categories, allowing us, as mourners, to share in your family's loss. I know it is difficult to speak publically, especially at a time of such sorrow. Again, you did a beautiful job, and paid your Dad's memory homage.
I have read the numerous entries and know they give you and your family great comfort.
James Corcoran
Don Forsyth
August 24, 2011
As the vice president of the California Fire Museum and Safety Learning Center, which is being built in the Orange County Great Park, we would be honored to place and display Smokey's Fire Collection and Rigs in the California Fire Museum and Safety Learning Center in honor and recognition of one of California's Legendary Fire Chiefs, George (Smokey) Bass.
Don Forsyth
August 24, 2011
I attended many classes taught by Smokey in the early 1970's at the begining of my career. I must say, much of what I learned, and much of what I continue to teach today around the entire country, I learned from Smokey Bass. He always questioned everything, and taught me to always question why we do what we do much of the time! I owe much of my progressing through the ranks to Chief Officer to my favorite instructor, George Smokey Bass! I am quite sure Smokey's Legacy of firefighting and leadership will live on forever. Don Forsyth, Battalion Chief, Orange County Fire Authority.
Mike Meadows
August 24, 2011
It was my extreme pleasure to know Smokey and see him at many fires. He always said OK to climb up on one of his rigs to get a better shooting position and, after the fire was out, we always had a few minutes to talk. I saw Smokey at a few non fire functions and what a guy. Down to earth, fun and could he talk? Wow!. I haven't seen Smokey for years and was so sorry to hear about his passing. To his family, he was and always will be a gem. Just a wonderful man.
August 22, 2011
Dear Bass Family,
I remember your father walking the school grounds @ St. Rose, & the time he would spend with us students. Fond memories of Mr. Bass & your family. My prayers are with you at this time of loss. He will live on - in all our memories.
Lisa Navarrette & Family
SRL Class of 1982
Bonnie Kaufman
August 21, 2011
George, a treasured friend from our train club, LALSRM. It was our shared hobby, playing with trains, that brought about his early diagnosis. George said it saved his life almost 8 years ago. Jan says it gave him 7 1/2 more good years. George also served on our club board. He will be greatly missed. Thank you George.
Bonnie Kaufman
August 21, 2011
George, a treasured friend from our train club, LALSRM. It was our shared hobby, playing with trains that brought about George's early cancer diagnosis. George says it saved his life almost 8 years ago. Jan says it gave him 7 1/2 more good years. George also served on the board of our club. Thank you George.
Bonnie Kaufman
Fernando Saldana
August 21, 2011
Hey Tim, this is your old grammer school pal. Your dad was a good man and I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. If you need anything or just want to chat, give me a buzz. I always considered you one of my best friends back in the day.
Take care, Fernando aka Canadian Ball Player. :) 562 716 9914
Carol Newman
August 21, 2011
Wow, this brings up so many memories from my past. I remember Mr. Bass teaching us finger 'calestenics' in PE class and how he taught us about clouds in Science. I remember Mrs. Leal being the nicest 'grownup' I knew at the time because she let me 'babysit' Mary Frances and Timothy while she was at school doing something or other. I will always remember the faith and trust you showed a lonely little 12 year old. Love and fond memories.
August 20, 2011
Dear Janice, Seems like I have known George since we moved to Ca.in 1955. Use to see him take his mom to Mass in the morning. He was like family to our family and was known for his pranks like putting socks and shoes in the freezer . He was a special person and I'm happy our family got to know him. He will be in our prayers as you and family also. Regina Lightner and family. "Rosamond, Ca.
Albert Sonnenburg
August 20, 2011
Dear Jan, Tim, and Mary Francis. I knew George Francis, when he attended daily mass with his mother and St. Rose. When his mother died, my mom and dad took him in. He was like a big brother and served as my advisor when I was President of the parish youth group. Nothing ever got passed his vigilent scrutiny with all the raging hormones an all. When I was in college, he would wake me up in the evening or early morning to chase a fire or incident of interest. He was around when I met my future wife, Sylvia, and had my back when I told my mom I was going to marry Sylvia. Nothing made the Sonnenburg's so happy as when he met and married Jam. Upon my graduation from college I joined the Scouting profession as a paid Scouter which took me from my hometown. 19 Years later I returned to find George as an active Scouter- Chairman of the San Antonio Scout District. One of my happiest moments was to see Tim receive his Eagle--few months after my son Matthew receive his Eagle. The Sonnenburgs moved out from LA County--to Sacramento, San Francisco, Ohio, and Ogden UT. George being family, attended our family reunions. We will surely miss George and and the joy be brought us.
James Corcoran
August 19, 2011
Dear Mrs. Bass: I saved a little prayer for George. Having known him for 25 years, he left a legacy with Bell few can duplicate. My most memorable thought was one late afternoon, I was on patrol, and saw George simply watering the lawn. He looked peaceful and content, and was thinking distant thoughts.
May rest in true peace, eternally with God.
James Corcoran
Bell PD (Ret.)
Thomas Machingo
August 18, 2011
I am so very sorry to hear of Mr. Bass' passing. He taught Fire Science to my class at St. Rose of Lima during the mid-1970's, and was always willing to share his Fire collection with us, showing us each piece and avidly telling us the history and significance of it. I also recall how he would give us rides on the old fire engine he was restoring with the help of Mrs. Bass. I have never forgotten either of them and never will.
Garey Cote
August 18, 2011
Sorry about your loss and may God bless you and the family.
Had the good fortune to have met Mr. Bass at the I.F.B.A convention in Baltimore.
May he Rest In Peace.
Garey Cote
August 18, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Had the good fortune to have met M. Bass at the I.F.B.A convention in Baltimore.
Diane Willeford
August 18, 2011
Dear Rutz Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Smokey's passing. All of the Willeford's are thinking of you and your family
August 18, 2011
Dear Jan, We are so saddened to hear of Smokey's passing. He was always so happy and full of fun. Even during his illnesses, he stayed upbeat and came to LALS many times. We know you will miss him tremendously and you have our deepest sympathy and love.
Love, Ginny and Ted Berg
bill noonan
August 18, 2011
sorry for your loss...met Smokey years ago when he was in Boston..may he RIP
August 18, 2011
Dear Jan, Mary Frances and Tim,
Your loss is great but the memories you will have forever. George was a man who was loved by all. I know that Don and I held him in the highest regard and considered him a very close friend. I will always remember him as that tall, dark haired handsome man. Jan our thoughts, prayers and love go out to you and your family.. Rest in Peace George in the love of family and friends.
Love Don and Carole
Larry Ford
August 17, 2011
Smokey was not large in stature, but he as a Giant in the Fire Service. He was known coast to coast, a friend of all who knew him. Thanks for being my friend,Rest in Peace Brother. Condolences to the Family. Larry Ford/LAFD ret.
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