Walter 'Walt' Lee Bassett

Walter 'Walt' Lee Bassett, 82, transitioned from this life into his new life on April 7, 2018, after a struggle with heart disease. He was born on May 25, 1935, in Rocky Ford, Colo. to Ellsworth and Lillian Bassett. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Ellen Ruth Bassett. Walt and Ellen were married for 57 wonderful years. Walt is survived by the pride of his life, his children, Nancy (Craig) Crosson, Walter, Jr. (Kathie) Bassett and Vickie Bassett Brusig. The joy of his life, his grandchildren, Melissa (Matthew) Habrat, Sayra (Vanessa) Bassett, Brian (Kristen) Crosson, Christina Brusig, Jeffrey Crosson, Nicholas Bassett, Sarah Brusig and Andrew Brusig. The special joy of his life, his great-grandsons, Craig Thomas Habrat, Ryan Walter Willman and Sterling Grey Crosson. He is also survived by his loving brother and sister-in-law, John and Mable Bassett; sister-in-law, Claire (Robert) Bassett; seven nieces, five nephews, and many great-nieces and nephews. Walt was predeceased by his parents, Ellsworth and Lillian Bassett; brother, Robert Bassett; his father and mother-in-law, Andrew and Elizabeth Jamieson; brothers-in-law, Andy Jamieson and Earl Wilson; and sister-in-law, Corrine Wilson. Walt owned and operated Bassett Construction Company for 42 years. He was a passionate leader of Pueblo during some of its most difficult times. His excellence in leadership, his drive and determination to bring Pueblo to prominence and his love of Colorado, brought recognition to Walt not only locally but nationally. Along this journey, he met many outstanding people and made lifelong friendships. Walt and Ellen loved to travel and visited all 50 states as well as many countries. He especially loved Scotland and attending the 'Military Tattoo.' Walt enjoyed devising creative ways to celebrate with his family whether it was during the holidays or traveling with them. He built Panther Creek Ranch in the mountains in Beulah, where he lived until his death. Walt loved his mountains and recently told friends and family, 'I will see you on the other side of my mountain.' The family would like to thank Dr. Kathryn McCaffrey, Dr. Pantelis Hadjzacharia, Mike Baxter, and the nurses and doctors of Parkview Hospital for their outstanding care of Walt. Ruth Roper for her hard work and always having a smile for Walt. Special thanks to Bill Crowley, Bill Martin and Jay Himes for their unwavering friendship to our father. And a sincere thanks to Joan Robbe for her loving kindness and friendship to Walt. Please wear bright colors and join our family in a celebration of his life, 1 p.m. Sunday, April 15, 2018, at Beulah United Methodist Church, 5903 Pennsylvania Ave., Beulah, Colo. Reception to follow at 3 p.m. at the Pueblo Convention Center. In lieu of flowers and food, please make donations to 'Ellen Bassett's Prayer Garden,' c/o P.O. Box 156, Beulah, CO 81023. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com