Charlie Bassett's Obituary
On Friday, December 29, 2023, Charlie, age 81, of Grand Haven, transitioned peacefully into the next phase of eternal life. Residing in Michigan his entire life, Charlie was a Hastings High State Champion in wrestling and All-State Honorable Mention Center in football. He earned a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees from Western Michigan University and completed all course work for a PhD at Michigan State University. Charlie taught Industrial Arts for 36 years at Spring Lake High School and coached boys and girls tennis for 44 years. He often declared that he never worked a day in his life—it was a privilege, and he enjoyed the subjects, sports, students, players and parents. Charlie promoted the sport of high school tennis in Michigan, serving in many capacities on several boards and earned accolades from his peers: named Tennis Coach of the Year 5 times and State Coach of the Year 3 times, inducted into Michigan High School Tennis Coaches Association Hall of Fame (‘92), Michigan High School Coaches Hall of Fame and Spring Lake High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Many of his tennis players and students have said that he did not merely teach woodshop or tennis but taught life and was a true mentor of the positive. Whether you knew him as Chuck, Mr. B., Coach, photographer, woodworker, husband, father, or friend, you found him always patient and kind. The mantra he taught and lived by is “the body moves in the direction of the most dominant thought”. He was a student of A Course in Miracles and truly affirmed the Christ in each and every person, extending love to all.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Jo; son, Chad (Bob); brother, Robert; stepchildren, Tess (Andy) and Andrew (Nicola); three grandchildren and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara (neé Beck).
A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, May 5, 2024, from 2:30pm-5:30pm at Central Park Place (421 Columbus Ave., Grand Haven, MI. 49417) and there will be pie because he always said, “The best pie is more pie.” Memorial contributions may be made to the Charles (Charlie) A. Bassett Endowed Scholarship Fund at Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. This fund was created in honor of Charlie in 2007 by tennis players and parents. One of his dreams was to assist students in continuing their education. Please make checks payable to GHACF and include “Bassett” in the memo line. Online contributions may be made through the Grand Haven Community Foundation.
Arrangements entrusted to The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services (620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417). To share special memories with the family, please visit http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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