Robert Lee Basom was born on July 11, 1920 in Seattle to R. Lee Basom and Hazel (Doo) Basom.

He died on Jan. 25, 2011 in Freeland after a long and courageous struggle with cancer. He grew up in Seattle in the Leschi neighborhood and graduated from Garfield High School.

Before World War II he joined the Navy and served during the war on a mine sweeper in the Alaskan waters.

He married Mary Lou Thiel on Sept. 12, 1941.

He and Mary Lou raised six children in Seattle and were active in St. Benedict’s parish. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was also active on the CYO Camping Committee for many years.

In 1971, they decided to move to Whidbey Island where they became members of St. Hubert parish.

They loved their new neighborhood at Useless Bay. They both took up golf and it became an important part of their lives. We think that Bob played more rounds of golf at Useless Bay Golf course than anyone else!

Bob was a hand engraver and did beautiful engraving on countless trophies, plaques, urns and personal items such as baby cups and spoons. He was a true artist. He worked until he was 88 years old and in the last two years of his life was still engraving things for his family, gifts that we all treasure.

Bob loved dogs and always had a dog in his life until his last dog died two years ago. He lived the last two years of his life at Maple Ridge Assisted Living in Freeland, where his wife still resides.

Bob was preceded in death by his brother Dick. Besides his wife of nearly 70 years, he is survived by his sister Dorene Kenkman of Carnation and his sons Robert (Sharon) of New Orleans, La. and Jeff of Seattle, his daughters Carolyn Eagan (Chris) of Port Ludlow, Katherine Donohoue (David) of Puyallup, Mary Bakeman (Jeff) of Freeland and Annie Bradford (Mark) of Spokane. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren and

30 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed.

A funeral mass was held Monday, Jan. 31 at St. Hubert Catholic Church, Langley, under the direction of Visser Funeral Home.

Donations can be made to the charity of your choice. Friends and family may also view the online obituary; sign and leave messages at www.visserfuneralhome.com.