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Peider Bassin Obituary
Peider, or Peter to Maggie, leaves behind his best friend, best crew, and loving wife Martha "Maggie" Bassin. Peter, "Bap" was the fun-loving father, inspiring coach, "nothing beats hard work" teacher and riveting storyteller to Erica Tucker-Bassin (Paul Tucker), Peter Bassin (Maris Lush) and Willy Bassin (Angela Wilson-Bassin). He is most saddened to leave his grandchildren Annemieke and Syree (Erica), Liam and Heidi (Willy) and Noelle and Annika (Peter) and promised to cheer them on from Heaven's bleachers. He is their biggest fan and has left them with inspiring life lessons and training secrets. Peider will be dearly missed by his sister Cilgia Canessa (Carlo) of La Spezia, Italy, where they lived and went to High School, and by his brother Gian Martin Bassin (Elvira) of Zurich, Switzerland, where Peider went to trade school and attended the military. Peider's family circle in Canada, Switzerland, Italy, and the Netherlands will cherish their fun-filled adventures with him.
Peider was born in Madulain, Switzerland, to Martin and Erica (nee Mueller) Bassin on August 21, 1935. Growing up in the Engadin Mountains, Peider loved to climb and hunt with his father and uncles; this was also the place where his passion for ski racing started, skiing to and from school. Peider's patisserie trade was crafted in his family's shop in La Spezia, Italy. When Peider's experiment with blue coloured cakes fell flat, his father sent him to Canada in 1957 to learn from a Swiss Hotelier in Muskoka, Ontario. Within a month, Mr. Joe Zuber of The Walper Hotel convinced Peter to join his kitchen staff as a pastry chef and ice sculptor. Peter's move to Kitchener brought him to English class, where he met the love of his life Maggie (nee DeGroot. They were married on Nov 4, 1961, and their life of never-ending adventure began. Together with Gian Martin they built their house and later their boat. They agreed that Maggie would teach him sailing and he would teach her how to ski. After many years of practice, they won their first Canadian sailing Championship, and in 1968 they won the North American Championships. With the birth of their children in 1969, 1970 and 1971, they hung up their sails for skis. During this time Peter was asked to help start the Food and Beverage Management Program at Conestoga College, where he taught for 25 years. He placed Conestoga College on the map by winning many patisserie competitions, setting a Guinness Book of World Records with his students for making the world's largest omelet (12000 eggs) and creating the tradition of the Oktoberfest Pancake breakfast. In the evenings, Peter was the Head Coach of Chicopee Ski Club, where for 30 years he taught his athletes the value of hard work and on occasion, how to climb a hill with skis on. Among his many awards Peter won Coach of the Year by both Alpine Ontario and the Canadian Ski Coaches Federation, and is a Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Hall of Fame Inductee as a sport builder. In his retirement from coaching and teaching Peter enjoyed the game of golf more for the friendships made and the Romeo's Wednesday morning Kaffeeklatsch.
Thank you to the friendly and compassionate staff of Paramed who understood Peter's wishes and guided him well through the difficult journey of stomach cancer.
We are deeply moved and thankful for the continued support of friends and neighbors and would like to express our deepest appreciation and gratitude to Lynanne Rooney, Dr. Elliot Williamson, Otto Jeske and Stephanie Ringwald.
Mass will be celebrated on May 4, 2022 at 12:30 pm at St. Clements Church, 745 Duke Street, Cambridge Ontario. Cremation has taken place.
As expressions of sympathy, please consider donating to the St Vincent De Paul Society care of St Clements Church. Donations will support the distribution of food vouchers for people in the Preston area or donating to the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre.
"Hey Lady! Hey Mister!" please help us celebrate Peter's passion for life and bask once again in his warm friendship on May 29, 2022, from 1 to 5pm at Deer Ridge Golf Course, 200 Deer Ridge Drive, Kitchener Ontario.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Peider Bassin
46 Entries
Scott McAllister
June 1, 2022
Hello Maggie and Family
My condolences on Peter's passing. After hearing this news a couple weeks ago, I have been reflecting on Peter's impact on me, my entire family and indeed the entire community. We started racing with Peter and Bob Johnson in the mid 1970's. (thank you for that picture Sean Barfoot, it brought back great memories and tears of joy) As already stated so eloquently by so many, Peter was an incredibly dynamic, energetic, positive and encouraging person. He lead by tireless example and nothing was considered too difficult. Ski awards banquet at The Walper Hotel for 100+? Na ya sure, no problem.
He was also an insatiable competitor. I recall one early morning winter van drive towards Collingwood with the C-Plus team circa 1975 when Peter and Bob engaged in a contest to see who could keep the windshield cleanest with the fewest strokes of the wipers. Yes, they really did count the wiper strokes. I remember it as clear as day. All in good fun, of course, but a competition between friends none the less.
As already mentioned by others, I would not be person I am today without the positive support and shining example presented by Peter all those years ago. Peter was a consummate leader...from the front, by example and he would never ask of you what he would not do himself. If you could keep up! He was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. The world is less after his passing. I wish Maggie and the whole family peace and harmony at this challenging time.
Scott McAllister, Courtenay, BC
Sean Barfoot
May 29, 2022
Sincerest condolences to Maggie and all the Bassin Family. So wonderful to hear all the words of gratitude towards this immense human being who spent much of his life gifting his community with his time and energy. The Barfoot kids spent our childhood winters with Head Coach Peter and the ski community he fostered. He is a legend in the Canadian Ski Coaching world. Even more importantly, he was a beautiful mentor to so many young people including us. Our lives were deeply informed by his coaching and tenacity, determination, kindness and the value of hard work. Speed, Suppleness, Strength, Stability ... Am I missing one? His voice and words live on... Na-sure, Up Up Up Up Up Up. Little Fella...
It has been an honour. Thank you and Fare Thee Well Mister!
Ryan, Tara and Sean Barfoot
Photo of Peter with his right-hand man Bob Johnson at the bottom of Sugar Bowl.
Patrizia Canessa
May 29, 2022
Patrizia Canessa
May 29, 2022
Patrizia Canessa
May 29, 2022
Patrizia Canessa
May 29, 2022
Patrizia Canessa
May 29, 2022
Patrizia Canessa
May 29, 2022
Patrizia Canessa
May 29, 2022
Patrizia Canessa
May 29, 2022
Patrizia Canessa
May 29, 2022
Patrizia Canessa
May 29, 2022
Today we prayed for Peder Andri in our church.
Chris and Pauline Luery
May 10, 2022
To Maggie and the entire Bassin Family, Our sincerest condolences to all of you on the passing of Peter. First our hearts were filled with sadness as we heard the news. At once, we all think of how Peter has touched all of our lives in such deep and profound ways. He has been a leader all of his life and has coached all of us in one way or another, whether it be on the slopes of a ski hill, in any of the other many sports that he enjoyed, in the kitchen, or for some of us even in the Chicopee boardroom. He was always a leader who led with integrity and kindness. His pleasant manners and kindness always shone through. He reminds us of the character James Stewart played in the movie, "Harvey", who always said that "you can go through life being oh so smart or oh so pleasant, well for years I was smart, I recommend pleasant." For myself, this was the way that Peter operated, always leading with kindness. That never meant that he expected anything less than your ultimate best. He just always wanted to see you do better. Coaching under Peter, was always a pleasure, even when he and Louis Weber would have many energetic discussions about their home country ski team, namely the Swiss or the Austrians and who was the better team. I learned early on, that it was best not to interrupt these very important discussions. Peter also taught us how much the human body could endure, by teaching us to do things like a "Thousand steps" while skiing down Mic Mac, which when you were done felt more like three thousand steps but in actual fact was more like 543, (I counted). This was only outdone, when he came up with the idea to do dryland training along the muddy shores of the Grand River, and then if running through that wasn't enough, wouldn't we all get stronger if we carried somebody on our back while running through the mud? We are sure that many of us will remember the annual racing banquets at Chicopee which became a right of passage for many aspiring ski racers. Peter and Maggie, did a lot of work to make them the success that they were. Peter did a lot of leadership, and Maggie was the one that did almost all of the organizing and work with some very close friends to make it all come together. And one final closing thought, and the way that we will always remember Peter, who was not only kind, energetic and a true coach, was how very colourful he was. I see him wearing one of his colurful ski coaches jacket - either the aqua and pink or the one that was truly a rainbow of colours, standing next to the starting ramp on Sugar Bowl at every race yelling at you in the starting gate to Come on Lady, Come on Mister and as you went past him you could then hear him yelling, Up, Up, Up. Now as I picture him in my mind, I can see him climbing the stairs up the starting ramp, one last, final time on the stairway to Heaven. Goodbye Meester. We will all miss you.
Our sincerest condolences, the Luery family, Chris, Pauline, Celeste, Monique and Craig
Roy McAllister
May 7, 2022
Dear Maggie and family,
With profound sadness we learned of Peter's passing. Our family has a trove of fond memories of Peter, you and your children, mainly associated with the Chicopee Ski Club and the racing program. We are fortunate to have had the benefit of Peter's teaching and positive outlook on our world.
Condolences to you from the McAllister family -
Roy, Jean, Scott, Dawn, Murray
John Cockburn
May 6, 2022
My sincere condolences to all of Peter's family and friends. He was an absolutely lovely man, his energy was infectious!
We were old ski friends.
Tierney (Travers) Bjorkenstam
May 6, 2022
I am very sorry to hear of Peter´s passing. I was incredibly fortunate to have Peter as a coach and his impact went far beyond the ski hill. He always challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and knowing he believed in me, helped me believe in myself. That was an incredible gift and has had a big impact in shaping who I am today. I have so many fond memories of my time at Chicopee and it was such a treat when I would hear a "Hey Lady" when our paths crossed over the years! Sending my deepest sympathies to the Bassin family.
Shirley Nequest
May 5, 2022
Sorry for your loss. Take care Maggie. Glad you have such a close family.
Chris Barber
May 4, 2022
My condolences go out to the Bassin Family. I´m sorry for your loss.
Through my ski career I had the privilege of having Peter as not only a ski coach/mentor but as a friend. He was always striving for excellence whether it be with his family and friends or the success of his athletes. He had the ability to always push everyone, as he said it best "Mr. get out of your comfortable zone" which rings with me to this day. His heart felt gestures of rewarding athletes with a chocolate every time a goal was achieved was one of the many ways, he encouraged you to strive to be the best you could be. Unfortunately, I spent more time hiking up the hill than receiving chocolate. The man I am today is thanks to the time spent with Peter and his family and for that I could not be more grateful. He will be deeply missed.
Sean Harrington
May 4, 2022
Hello Willy and Bassin Family,
We just wanted to give you our condolences on the passing of your father. I remember meeting him a few times at your house many years ago and he was a very nice person. After reading this obituary I can see where he lived a very successful life. I'm sure he will be missed and we wish you the best during this difficult time.
Best Regards,
Sean & Mary
Brad Lashley
May 3, 2022
Peter will always be remembered by myself as a true ambassador to life. He pushed me to be better on many occasions and I will always value the advise and leadership be showed to all. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife and children.
Marcel Pruski
May 3, 2022
I am deeply saddened to learn of Peter's passing.
I have such great memories of spending time at the Bassin house as a child. Hours on the trampoline, laying on the perfectly manicured lawn. I think I can still smell the compost pile as I ride my bike by.
When my kids were younger I would tell them the story of when I wanted to play with my friends Pete and Willy their dad would make us pick 2 buckets of pine cones each before we could go!
Peter had an amazing work ethic that was contagious and he had the ability to bring out the best in people.
Although he is no longer here, a character as large as his will always be with us!
From the Pruski family our condolences to Maggie, Erica, Pete, Willy and families
Rob, Linda, Torque
May 3, 2022
A walk around the neighbourhood often included seeing Peter working in the yard. He always made a point of stopping what he was doing to say hi and tell a story, especially if Torque was with us. He was a warm and genuine man and the neighbourhood is diminished without him. We will miss seeing him on our walks and Torque will miss one of his first and best friends. Our condolences to the entire family.
Philip Patterson
May 3, 2022
Condolences to the Bassin family. Peter will always be a part of my fondest ski racing memories. His passion for our success in the sport was amazing. I was fortunate to have been coached by such a nice Man. I hope your memories help you all find peace during your time of grief. Sincerely.
Helmut Trimmel
May 3, 2022
My condolences go out to all the Bassin family. Peter was huge figure to all of us growing up at Chicopee. He taught us to be the skiers and people we are today. It didn´t matter which night you went out for practice you could be sure Peter was there. If you didn´t see him right away you could hear him" you have to push mister!" When he spoke to you he would look you right in the eye and you knew he was 100% interested in helping you improve. You will be very missed Peter.
Luke Dolan
May 3, 2022
Great family, Great Man...
My deepest condolences to the Bassin Family. I have fond memories of your Father and growing up throughout grade school, high school, ski racing, and causing havoc on the streets of Edgehill...
Lindsay Gibson
May 3, 2022
Him making me climb the hill for not listening; his baked Alaska at the ski banquet; porridge, porridge and more porridge - so many great memories that I still talk about today. Not to mention how he and the rest of the Bassin family built such an amazing ski racing community at Chicopee that cannot be matched.
I feel incredibly lucky to have had him as a coach. His impact on my childhood was profound and for that I am incredibly grateful.
Gordon Brown
May 3, 2022
Condolences to the Bassin family. Peider was ahead of the Curv with his values, integrity, and passion for skiing. I will remember him for his enthusiasm and overall great guy persona. One of the nicest guys I have had the pleasure of knowing. Regards to the boys. Gord
Allan Abbott
May 3, 2022
Very sorry to hear of Peters passing. He was a true gentleman. I always enjoyed any time I spent with him and his family. He passed on his love of skiing to his athletics and his kids were a joy to coach.
martha gay scroggins
May 3, 2022
Dearest Erica and Family,
Thinking of you and remembering Peter with much fondness.
Much Love Martha Gay Scroggins
Kevin Gosselin
May 3, 2022
To Maggie, Erica, Peter, Willy and your beautiful families,
I´m so so sorry. Peter was such an amazing person. I remember him being the only familiar face and loudest cheering fan at the first turn at my first World Cup starts at Nakiska in 1987. He was such a rock for so many young people - myself included. His "Hey Lady" and "Hey Mister" was his trademark and his incredible positive spirit are emulated by so many people who were fortunate to know him. Part of Peter will live in us all and we´ll try to continue to pass along his passion for life and positive spirit. He was a great role model to us all. Big hugs to you all today. I look forward to giving real hugs at the golf course on the 29th to celebrate his amazing life. I´m so sorry to you all for your loss.
Sincerely,
Kevin Gosselin
Meribeth Deen
May 3, 2022
How could a force like Peter Bassin have left this world? It's been decades since I saw his face, but he has always felt present to me in some way. He made a whole world on that tiny ski hill and I know that every one of us who was lucky enough to be a part of it wishes they could recreate it - maybe for their own kids - or maybe just to feel the energy he brought to us all for just a few minutes again. There's no replacing him. Sincere condolences to you all - Maggie, Erika, Peter, Willy and all the amazing grandchildren I never met. I am so, so, so, sorry for your loss.
Brian Larkin
May 2, 2022
Thank you Peter for being a wonderful role model to our Daughter Kelly while coaching her. Your dedication to ski racing, developing young athletes, and the emphasis on learning and education will never be forgotten. RIP Mister
Rob Preiditsch
May 2, 2022
Dear Maggie, Erica, Pete and Willy,
Sending heartfelt condolences to you all in the loss of quite a man. Such a beautifully written tribute to Peter! I have many fond memories of interactions with your Dad while hanging out during our high school years at that cool chalet of house. I loved it. Perhaps most memorable is how he´d pronunce my last name (albeit perfectly) while screaming encouragement at the top of his lungs during our many X-C races together. So many other happy moments...We´d all take turns sounding like Peter scolding us. Or that trademark "wa-hooo" as you would call out to him. I still have dreams of a fresh summer tomato salad he made me one time. And lastly he induced a love of "the Volvo that never dies"-so much so I made it my first car...or perhaps that long trip to Cornell with Erica had something to do with it too! Grateful to have met him!
Wish I could be there to honor and celebrate a true original and irreplaceable man!
Fondly, Rob Preiditsch
Andrew Elliot
May 2, 2022
My sincere condolences to Mrs Bassin, Erika, Peter and Willy and the rest of your family.
I have many fond memories of Peter Sr at Chicopee and Deer Ridge and once at St Moritz.
What a great life he had.
Marnie Gibson
May 2, 2022
Maggie, Erica, Peter and Willy I am so sorry to hear this news. Peter was such a big part of my childhood and still remains the best role model and influencer of my life. I still hear his words often in my head, "Lady, your skiing it hurts my eyes." on days were I feel like I am skiing down with 2 left feet. My life would not have been as rich and full without his influence on my sports. xoxoxoxox
Tony Lopez
May 2, 2022
Deepest condolences to the Bassin family on Peters Passing . Our thoughts are with you and grateful memories lasting a lifetime shared as children and now adults . Your fathers interactions and kindness and teachings help mold so many through out the decades and crated legacy of hardworking , trustworthy , dependable, and faith driven leaders ! To Erica and Peter and Willy you are always my brothers and sisters and Beautiful Maggie a loving mother to all .
Michaela Petersen
May 2, 2022
We are so deeply sorry for you loss.
Jamie McCoy
May 2, 2022
My thought are with the Bassin family. I am sorry for your loss. Peter was a big part of my skiing world. He made a big impact on my time as one of his racer. He will be missed but not forgotten, as I will continue to tell my stories to future racers of the many great experiences I had as a racer growing up through the Chicopee racing program and a product from the coaching of Peter Bassin. R.I.P coach.
Sylvia H Celentano
May 2, 2022
Peter was such a big part of my growing up years. What a special, talented, unique coach and person. When I think of him I always have a smile and his lessons have stuck with me my entire life. I am so very sorry for this loss. He will never be forgotten.
Shelagh Fox
May 2, 2022
Dear
Maggie and family my deepest condolences on your loss.
I was one of the many fortunate children to have had their lives enhanced and changed forever by Peter's expansive joy for life.Peter was my first ski racing coach.
He was the greatest cheer leader, with absolute belief in me as a young person.
His energy was boundless.
I can't imagine how my life would have turned out without this beautiful man Peter Bassin having mentored me.
Peter's voice will forever be in my head, hup hup hup!
Peter you live on in all of us.
Love Shelagh
Sonya Hones
May 2, 2022
One of the brightest characters from my childhood memories at Chicopee. Peider made every ski practise an opportunity to push ourselves to our full potential. He was always cheering us on with everything he had, and it was an honor to know him. Much gratitude from all his racers.
Teach the angels to ski through the clouds Peider, God knows you can do anything. Rest in peace. Xo
Hal Kuntze
May 2, 2022
My deepest condolences to the Bassin family on Peters passing. To this day, Peter remains one of the most influential and favourite people in my life. An anchor in our community and centre point in the Bassin Family, we will all miss him dearly - but always treasure having had him guide us. Peter - you were one of a kind. Your legacy will live on in our hearts, and your lessons passed on to our kids and future athletes. May you Rest In Peace. Up and around !
Paul Richardson and family
May 2, 2022
Maggie, Erica, Willy and Peter. Our sincere condolences. I have nothing but fond memories of Peter. His enthusiasm was contagious. The world has just lost another good man.
Heinz Hones
May 2, 2022
I loved Peider Bassin
He taught our kids to have fun racing .
Inspired and made chicoppee a great club.
Also produced Kelly Vanderbeek to the Olympics.
Jennifer Lester
May 2, 2022
My sympathy to the Bassin Family at this time, Peter is looking over his family at this time. I'm so glad the I had the opportunity to see Peter ,and his children (now adults ) at Deer Ridge Golf Course.
God bless everyone that new Peter Bassin
Jennifer Lester ( neighbor of Grand Hill Dr)
Hugh Fox
May 2, 2022
Peter was a huge influence on all of the kids he coached. The world just got smaller.
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