William Kay Bassett

William Kay Bassett (Bill), age 98, died of natural causes on February 6, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born in 1926 to Harry Freeman Bassett and Matilda Mae Gardner Bassett and was the youngest of 8 children.

Bill was a member of the Greatest Generation, enlisting in the Navy at 17 years of age, eager to serve our country during WWII. Bill spent 4 years in the Navy, excelling as a radio operator in the South Pacific Fleet under Admiral Halsey. He later served another 6 years in the Army as an officer. His tenure in the Armed Forces spanned both WWII and the Korean War, and he left the military honorably, exiting with the rank of Army Captain.

After marrying Helen - the love of his life - Bill was motivated to succeed and aggressively took on the business world. He worked for Lever Brothers on Park Avenue in New York City, for RJ Reynolds Foods in New York and North Carolina, and later as “Vice President for International Markets” at Continental Baking, where he introduced Wonder Bread into Russia, and opened a Twinkie factory in Japan! During his career Bill and Helen moved 18 times, often the result of promotions. He traveled to almost every country in the world for business and pleasure, and lived in Germany with his family twice.

Bill had a zest for life and taught us how to have fun! He loved to ski and as a member of the “Wild Old Bunch” at Alta, skied into his 90th year. He took great pride that he skied free at Alta after reaching 80 years of age. Golf was Bill’s other great passion, where he whittled his handicap to +8. He always said a perfect day during a Utah spring was to ski in the morning and golf in the afternoon! He and Helen loved to dance and danced at all of their grandchildren’s weddings. At 85, he jumped out of an airplane, just because he could.

A lifelong member of the LDS church, Bill and Helen were sealed with their 4 children in the Logan Temple. He served in several capacities in the church, but his favorite was fulfilling a service mission along with Helen, guiding tours at the LDS Conference center in Salt Lake City.

Bill’s most lasting and finest accomplishment, though, was the example he set for his family. Full of integrity, compassion, love, and kindness, he instilled these values into 4 children, 14 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren who adore him, and who all try to emulate his example. Most of all, his children honor him for the tender and loving way he always treated our mother.

“The greatest thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” (Theodore Hesburgh)

Preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Helen; and his precious great-granddaughter Audra Sadler. 

Survived by Daughter Kathleen (Lee) Sadler, So. Jordan, UT; Son Robert W. (Joanne) Bassett, San Ramon, CA; Daughter Kristen (Tim) Micklos, SLC, UT; Son John C. (Lisa) Bassett, Milford, CT., 14 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren, (and counting!)

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 6-8 pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens (1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd (10600 S), Sandy, UT.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Feb. 13 at 11:00 am, at Sagewood at Daybreak (11289 Oakmond Rd., So. Jordan, Utah- Summit Room).

To watch a recording of the service, please click on the blue tab above that says "Watch Service".