Stephen C. Bass

1943 - 2018

Stephen Chandler Bass, 74, of Lake Worth, FL, died at home on the morning of July 4 after a 6-year battle with cancer. He faced his diagnosis of multiple myeloma like everything else, with scientific inquisitiveness, humor, and pragmatism. Bass was born in Ponca City, OK, on Dec. 27, 1943. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in biology from Oklahoma State University and received his master's degree in ecology from the University of Dayton. Steve touched the lives of thousands of Palm Beach County School children through outdoor programs in Belle Glade, the Jupiter Marine Science Center, Okeeheelee Nature Center, and finally as the director of Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton, FL, where he worked for 22 years. For several years he had a local access TV program, "Palm Beach County Naturescope", which covered diverse topics of local ecology and natural history. Some episodes can be found on YouTube.com. Steve was most proud of the role he played in the preservation of over 30,000 acres of public access natural areas acquired by Palm Beach County which includes High Ridge Scrub, Limestone Creek, Royal Palm Beach Pines, and Juno Dunes. He was the chairperson of the Palm Beach County Natural Areas Management Advisory Committee from 1994 to 2004. The Steve Bass Memorial Account has been established to help preserve, protect, and maintain the natural beauty and open spaces of Palm Beach County. Donations to the account should be made out to the Palm Beach County Board of Commissioners, with Steve Bass Memorial Account in the memo, and can be sent to the family or directly to Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management, 2300 Jog Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33411. Steve is survived by his father, Wayne Bass, 98, of Ponca City; his wife of 50 years, Valerie Bass, of Lake Worth; a daughter, Shannon Bass Miller, and son-in-law, Dan Miller of Red Hook, New York, and a son, John Bass of Lake Worth, FL. He had two grandchildren, Haley Miller, 21, and Hudson Miller, 18. He was pre-deceased by his mother, Nona Chandler Bass. In his extended family there are dozens of nieces, nephews, and other young people who he taught and mentored, always generously sharing his time and love of nature. A celebration of Steve's life will be planned later in the year. If you would like to be informed about details for this event, contact the family, check the Facebook page, Steve Bass Memorial, or PalmBeachPost.com/obits, for updates.