George Francis Bass

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....

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

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...

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.

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...

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.

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.

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