Irving C. Bassett, 71, a lifelong resident of Sandown, NH died Saturday October 13, 2012. Irving was the youngest of 16 children, born in Sandown on September 16, 1941. He was a son of the late Raymond and Priscilla (Knights) Bassett. He was a US Army veteran and served during the Vietnam Era. Irving was a 55 year member of the Sandown Fire Department where he served 24 years as Chief. He served as Deputy Forest Fire Warden and later Forest Fire Warden for 24 years. He was also a member of the Rockingham County Fire Wardens Association, serving many years as president.
Irving was co-chairman and very instrumental in the building of the new fire station in Sandown. He worked as a plumber for many years and served as a plumbing inspector for the town of Sandown for a number of years. In addition, Irving served as a Sandown Road Agent for several years and a Sandown cemetery sexton for over 30 years. In 1999, Irving was named Citizen of the Year.
Irving was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and was dearly loved by his family. He loved his involvement with the fire department and other town functions. He was loved and respected by so many in the town of Sandown. Irving enjoyed gardening and spending time around his home.
Irving is survived by his wife of 46 years, Katherine (Doncaster) Bassett of Sandown, one son, Michael Bassett and his wife Beverly of Sarasota, FL, one daughter, Amy Bassett and her husband Jim Bivona of Dunbarton, NH, one grandson, Matthew, two sisters, Martha Sargent of Springfield, VA, Eleanor Bassett of Sandown, six brothers, Donald Bassett of Northwood, NH, Wendell Bassett of Epsom, NH, William Bassett of Greensboro, GA, Kenneth Bassett of Sandown, David Bassett of Hampstead, NH, and Carroll Bassett of Sandown. There are also many nieces, nephews, cousins, and his beloved dog, Skyla. He was predeceased by seven siblings, Hazel Marlow, Charles Bassett, Raymond S. Bassett, Richard Bassett, Robert Bassett, Norman Bassett, and Eva Phillips.
Calling hours were held on Wednesday October 17, 2012 from 4 – 8pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry. Funeral services were held Thursday at 10:30am in St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, Route 121A, Sandown. Burial followed in Center Cemetery, Sandown. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sandown Fire and Rescue Association, P.O. Box 1756, Sandown, NH 03873.