Richard Hunter Bassing, age 67, of Palmyra, Va. passed peacefully on Thanksgiving Day, November 28th, 2019 at Hospice of the Piedmont Acute Care Hospital, after fighting cancer and strokes, with his sister was by his side. Richard was preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Erma (Bunny) Bassing of Palmyra. He is survived by his sister Kim Bassing, also of Palmyra, niece Laura and her husband Kevin, great nieces Claire and Gwen, nephew Daniel and his wife Katie, and many cousins.
Born on August 6, 1952 in Baltimore, Maryland, Richard became a lifelong fan of Baltimore sports and UVA. Richard (known as Rick to his many friends) served 6 years in the U.S. Army, with tours in Ga. and Germany, attended college at Florida Institute of Technology and University of South Florida, and received maintenance certifications at PVCC. He moved from Norfolk, Va. to Fluvanna County to be near family in the late ‘70s, and worked on many construction and maintenance projects throughout the area, ending his work life at Fork Union Military Academy.
Rick’s interests included woodworking, reading, movies, gardening, debating topics of the day, storytelling, fishing, yard and estate sales, cold beer, and helping out family and friends. He so appreciated the long-time friendships of his friends Tweezer, Tom and Cyndi, Tom W, John, Bill, Jimbo, Craig and Joe, Lake neighbors, and buddies and staff at both the Dogwood Restaurant and Sal’s. His family would like to thank U.Va. NICU, Hospice of the Piedmont, and John Cotter for help in recent weeks.
A wake, to remember Rick, is being planned for January, with scattering of ashes in coming months. If anyone wishes to make a donation in Richard’s memory, the family suggests: Lake Monticello Fire and Rescue squads, Hospice of the Piedmont, Fluvanna SPCA, Happy Face or a veteran’s support organization of your choice. We’ll miss you, brother, Uncle and friend–rest easy now, buddy.