Name: Visitation for Captain John A. Bastek USCG (Retired)
Start: 2018-03-10T15:00:00.000Z
End: 2018-03-10T16:00:00.000Z
Location: Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services - The VanZantwick Chapel

Bastek, USCG Ret., Captain John A. Spring Lake, Michigan Captain John A. Bastek, USCG Ret. age 71, of Spring Lake passed away Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at Heartwood Lodge. He was born September 30, 1946 in Paterson, New Jersey to Stanley and Eileen (Doran) Bastek. On March 13, 1971 he married Susan Henry in Cape May, New Jersey. John was a graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT. and University of Miami School of Law. He served in the Coast Guard for thirty years, his assignments included tours as a ship's officer (including two as ship's captain), he was an attorney, a military judge, and did several tours in administrative positions. His last assignment was as Chief of Staff of the Ninth Coast Guard District (the Great Lakes) retiring in 1998. He was an avid baseball player and a fan of all sports. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his loving wife Susan; two sons, Neal (Susannah) Bastek and Ian (Stephanie) Bastek; four grandchildren: Silvia and Emmett Bastek, and Ayden and Owen Bastek; sister, Barbara Proden; brothers: William (Marilyn) Bastek, Robert (Patricia) Bastek, and Stephen (Helen) Bastek; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stan and Eileen; brother-in-law, Joseph Proden. A memorial service with military honors will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 10, 2018 at The VanZantwick Chapel (620 Washington Ave) with Rev. Daniel Anderson officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in memory of John may be given to Little Red House. Please sign the family's' online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.

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Published by Grand Rapids Press from Feb. 22 to Feb. 25, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for John Bastek

Sponsored by The Family.

13 Entries

May 10, 2018

I had the pleasure of working for and with John in the Fourteenth Coast Guard District Staff Legal Office in Honolulu, Hawaii in the early 1980's. He was proud of his Coast Guard and proud of his legal staff, all of whom excelled under his leadership. He loved and was proud of his family, loved sports and could always be counted on for a one-on-on if and when you needed it. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing and Diane and I wish Susan and the children the very best. You all have our most heartfelt sympathy.

Steve and Carol Bratten

April 12, 2018

I had the great pleasure of meeting Captain Bastek when he was the CO on the USCGC Northland. I am very sorry for your loss. You have my deepest sympathy.

My Husband CWO Bratten was on the USCGC Northland under Captain Bastek's command. Both of us were privileged to have known him. Both of us send you our condolences.

Michael Camire

April 12, 2018

Very sorry for your families loss, John was Captain while I was on the CGC Northland, he was a good man, a fair and honest Skipper, he treated his crew well. It was an honor to serve with himMichael Camire BMCS USCGRetired

Vince Patton

April 12, 2018

A wonderful man and fellow shipmate. Sad to see the news of his passing.

Guy Rosinbaum

April 11, 2018

I was his lead helmsman on the CGC Northland, we spent months together on that bridge teaching new officers ship handling, under way replenishment. He was a great man and a great leader. He was also one of the best ship handlers, I have ever known.

My condolences.

Michael Smith

March 10, 2018

What a great man John is. His energy strength of character and zest for life cannot be diminished by this long suffering disease. His leadership skills mixed moral integrity and human sensitivity and made him a wonderful mentor and genuine friend. His tenacity for life was only matched by the dedication of his loving Sue and Neal and Ian. Gone but never forgotten . Celebrate your rewards my friend because yours is the kingdom of heaven!

Mike and Cathy SMITH CGA'75

Jim and Judy Hull

February 26, 2018

Judy and I offer our sincere condolences to the entire Bastek family. We think of John's smile and how proud and thankful he was for his family and friends. John was a good man!!
Our prayers for the family during this time.

Dan McGregor

February 25, 2018

Captain Bastek was a very good friend of the McGregor family. At his retirement party my wife gave John a teddy Bear for a remembrance of us. I am so sorry to hear of his passing, he will be remembered by us forever.

Marc MacDonald

February 25, 2018

Sue, Neal, Ian: Our deepest condolences on your loss. John was a great, caring and unselfish guy. He would give you the shirt off his back and always was there when we (or anyone else) needed help. Quick wit, keen insight and great storyteller.

He will be missed.

We hope your memories will sustain you and get you through the hardest times.

With Love,

Jean, Marc, Jason and Greg

Leighton Anderson

February 24, 2018

At the Coast Guard Academy roommates changed every couple of months. While John and I were rooming together in the fall of 1965 he returned a punt for a touchdown during the only football game I missed that year. When I returned to our room that night John described the event in great detail. He described every block, every cut he made and how he felt as he crossed the goal line. Several times! He was so excited and happy.

Lynda Edwards

February 23, 2018

I can imagine Norm and your classmates greeting you on the other side of the veil. My heart reaches out to you in your loss.
Lynda Edwards

Mari Schofield

February 23, 2018

My heartfelt condolences to all of the Bastek family.
Love,
Mari Keating Schofield

February 23, 2018

May you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. May you find peace and strength in this time of loss - Acts 25:15

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