Charles H. Bassler

Charles H. Bassler

BERNE — Charles H. Bassler died peacefully on Friday, July 10, 2015, his wedding anniversary, with his wife of 62 years, Mary, and family at his side. He was 84.

His family, in a tribute, described him as someone “who was either on a lawnmower or in the woods.”

He had four acres to mow, said his son, Darren Bassler. “He was an avid sportsman and spent as much time as he could in the woods.”

“Charlie was a lifetime hunter of deer and called in wild turkeys from any angle with calls he made himself,” his family wrote. “He will be greatly missed.”

Mr. Bassler, who was known as Charlie, grew up in West Berne, graduating from Berne-Knox Central School in 1949.  He served in Korea in the Army from 1953 to 1955 and returned to live the rest of his life at Warners Lake.

Mr. Bassler was employed at Hannay Reels Inc. for 38 years as a machinist, and the last 19 years at Helderberg Tru-Value where, his family wrote, “he was always willing to lend a hand.”

Describing Mr. Bassler as a father, Darren Bassler said, “He was very quiet, but you always knew where you stood. You couldn’t ask for a better father.” 

His son went on, “He taught me respect for the outdoors.”

He added that both his father’s side of the family and his mother’s side of the family had a long history in Berne and east Berne, and they passed that heritage along to heir children.

Describing his father’s personality, Darren Bassler said, “He was a quiet, gentle person, always willing to help anyone.”

He concluded, “At the wake, everyone kept saying what a gentleman he was.”

****

Charles H. Bassler is survived by his devoted wife, Mary, and his children Greg and his wife, Deb, of Moscow, Idaho; Nadine and her partner, Pam, of Delmar; Darren and his wife, Lisa, of Knox; and Holly and her husband, Rich, of East Berne. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Andrew, Dan, Emma, Megan, Kristen, and Carlie.  He is survived, too, by several nieces and nephews, and by his sister, Phyllis Frisbee of Voorheesville.

Calling hours were held on Monday, July 13, at Helderberg Lutheran Church in Berne, with funeral services there the next day. Arrangements were by Fredendall Funeral Home of Altamont.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Berne Conservation Club, 1696 Warners Lake Road, Altamont, NY 12009 or to the Helderberg Lutheran Church.

— Melissa Hale-Spencer

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