Oliver John Bassett

Oliver John Bassett, Cut Bbank, passed away on Feb. 22, 2014 after a brief illness.  He was born in Butte on November 5, 1925 to John and Orlean (Daems) Bassett, the oldest of three children.   In l933, tragedy struck the family as their beloved father was killed in an oil rig accident.  The bereft family relocated to Ennis where Oliver attended elementary school.  He graduated from Gonzaga Prep and attended University of Oklahoma (majoring in petroleum engineering).  His studies were interrupted when he was drafted into the Navy during WWII.  After the war, Oliver enrolled at Carroll College to become a priest.  Later, he left the priesthood and joined his extended family in Seattle.  His strong faith in God and the Catholic Church, though, always was a major force in his daily living.  Oliver worked briefly for Boeing then for Union Pacific Railroad.  He retired from the railroad after 30 years of employment.  Montana always called to Oliver as his cherished memories revolved around this beautiful part of the country.  In 2003, Bud sold his home and moved to his beloved Cut Bank.  Here, the town became his ‘family’ forming bonds with his church and friends.  Everyone looked after Oliver and he was always grateful for these loving people in his life.  He never returned to Seattle, even to visit, as he couldn’t bear to leave.   Oliver was passionate about music:  writing songs and playing the piano, organ, mandolin, and banjo.  He was also interested in the history of food, owning an extensive cookbook collection though he rarely cooked.  Oliver was preceded in death by his mother Orlean, sister, Lorraine, brothers-in-law Will and Herbert.  He leaves his beloved sister Corinne Otonicar (Mesa) , 10 nieces and nephews, and extensive extended family members.   His family will forever be grateful to those who surrounded Oliver with their compassion and love, especially Sheila & Paul Halverson, and the Nuns and Father Michael of St. Margaret’s Catholic Church.  A heartfelt thank you to Whitted Funeral Chapel for their kind assistance.  Services will be held at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church at 10:30 am on Tuesday, Feb. 25th.  Viewing will be held before the service at 9:30 am.  Oliver will be buried alongside his beloved mother in Virginia City.