Donald Bass - husband, cute dad, and adoring grandpa passed away on December 24, 2020 at 78 years old, in Salt Lake City, UT, with his loving wife by his side. He lived a life of service and humility.
Donald was born to Lora Mae Bass and Duncan Bass in Mayo, FL. He was the third of eight children. From a young age, Don learned the value of hard work, along-side his siblings. He graduated from Suwannee High School, where he served as Student Body President and was an active member of The Future Farmers of America. He was also voted “Most Likely to Succeed” by his peers. He later graduated from Florida State University in 1967 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree.
Don was baptized to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Shine Hole Creek, off of the Suwannee River, at eight years old. Years later, he eagerly served a 30-month proselytizing mission for the LDS Church in Uruguay and Argentina where he and his companions baptized 172 people. He was the first Latter Day Saint missionary from Live Oak, Florida.
Don served seven years in the National Guard in Florida and Utah. He has always held a great regard for the United States and the freedoms we share in this great country.
Don met his wife in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1967. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple in 1968 by Apostle Spencer W. Kimball.
Don began his professional career as an English and Spanish teacher at Granite High School in Salt Lake City, Utah. After three years of teaching, he moved on to a 33-year career in pharmaceutical sales. He retired in 2004.
Upon retirement he continued his commitment to serve others. He worked at Jordan Valley School as a teacher for special needs children. He also served as a tour guide at Temple Square for many years. Through his years of service Don exhibited his acceptance of others regardless of their circumstance.
Don had many talents and hobbies. He ran 25 marathons, and to his children’s embarrassment, the home basement was decorated with marathon memorabilia, posters, and awards. He found therapy in accurate and precise shooting at the gun range, where he spent every Saturday with his shotgun earning his perfect-25-patch. His adult life was filled with adventure, hunting and hiking throughout the Wasatch Mountains. He was passionate about music, turning up the classic country tunes in his SUV- listening to John, Loretta, Elvis, Neil, Kenny, Willy, Dolly, and more. He loved a good Chevy Chase or Steve Martin movie to share a laugh with the family.
Don was ferociously protective of his wife and children. His family was the reason for him to pursue a genuine, kind, hard-working, honest life. His actions were a testament to his beliefs. He was the epitome of a good man.
Don is lovingly survived by his wife, four children, four sons-in-law, and six grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family would appreciate donations to the Alzheimer’s Association. Visit https://act.alz.org/donate to make your donation in Tribute to Donald Bass.
To view the recorded funeral services, please click on the link below.
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