Richard J. Basso

Rev. Richard (Dick) J. Basso was born on August 29, 1937 and passed away on October 6, 2018. He joins his parents Richard J. Basso and Caroline (Diljak) Basso in passing.

He is survived by his two brothers Tom (Catherine) Basso and Philip Basso. A devoted family man, he gave unending love to his many nieces and nephews, who knew him dearly as "Uncle Dick." Tom (lndre) Basso, Teresa (Robert) Basso Gold, Angie Hovda (Curtis Proctor), Gina Basso, Jacob Hovda (Carma), Nick Basso, Elena Basso, Grace Hovda, Isabella Basso, Lucy Gold, and CeCe Gold will always cherish abundant memories of Uncle Dick's nostalgic tales and holiday traditions, including pounds of Mary See's candies and Pacific smoked salmon.

Fr. Basso grew up in Battle Creek, Ml; however, his life with the clergy led him to the West Coast. He was ordained on June 2, 1962 at St. Mary's Cathedral in Lansing, MI. Following his ordination, Fr. Basso entered the Society of Saint-Sulpice as a seminary professor. He served several years in the Archdiocese of San Francisco, the Diocese of Monterey and the Archdiocese of Seattle. He was sought as an excellent preacher and was in much demand providing retreats for clergy and parish communities throughout the United States.

His gift for language and oration touched the lives of countless families and individuals throughout the Diocese he led. With many, he shared his love for cooking, faith, music, people, movies and books. He was a proud Italian, Croatian, and Michigander, and he was always interested in learning about others' identities and connecting with their experiences.

Fr. Basso moved back home to be with his family as he neared his death. He was surrounded by their love for his final days, and he now rests in eternal peace.

Fr. Basso's family will receive friends 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Sunday, October 21, 2018 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home in Battle Creek, where the Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. James S. O'Leary 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 22, 2018 at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, 1628 East G Avenue, Parchment, MI 49004.

Donations may be made in his honor to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan for Rose Arbor Hospice Residence, 222 N. Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 100, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 or O'Dea High School in Seattle, Washington, 802 Terry Ave, Seattle, WA 98104. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.