Keith I. Bassett

Keith Irwin Bassett, 53, of Howard City passed away on December 6, 2013 after bravely battling cancer for 5 years. Keith was born on July 21, 1960 in Grand Rapids, the beloved son of Jean Wolfe Bassett (Tucson) and Irwin Jay (Diane) Bassett (Pierson). Keith and the love of his life, best friend, and soul mate, Kimberly Conti, shared a love of exploring, antiques, and the country life. They were seldom apart and, together, they built a beautiful home life for their family where love abounded and special memories were created. Keith loved spending time with his children, sharing with them his love of hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. Keith always had a project underway and, when not winning chili cook-offs, he enjoyed spending time with his father, brother, and eldest son, Eric, on family hunting trips. He was an avid post card collector and a cigar aficionado. Keith had a terrific sense of humor and enjoyed teasing (with great love) those closest to him. He had an incredible internal compass and went his own way, whether everyone agreed with him or not. It was a remarkable quality, as Keith was typically right. At the time of his death, Keith was President of Spectrum Industries’ E-Coat Division in Grand Rapids. Keith helped grow and operate the family business over the past three decades with his father, brother, and many long-time employees. As a leader, he was caring, encouraging, and he developed relationships with employees that made them feel like they were part of the family. In addition to his parents and significant other, Keith is survived by his children, Eric Bassett (Grand Rapids) and Charlie, Sophia, Jake, and Will Bassett (Fremont); brother Kevin (Michelle) Bassett (Grand Rapids); stepsons, Bret Conti and Duan “Mingo” Swagerty (Grand Rapids); grandchildren, Amayah Swagerty and Jace Lesnau (Grand Rapids); and many nieces, nephews and dear friends. Keith was preceded in death by his grandparents Gordon and Lillian Bassett and Isabel and Dick Wolfe. The family wishes to express its deepest gratitude for the caring teams at Heartland Hospice (Fremont) and Lacks Cancer Center. The family will receive friends Sunday from 1-4 and 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs, where services will be held Monday 11:00 am. Pastor Tadd Butler officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Keith’s memory to The Source (1409 Buchanan Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49507) or The Center for Autism at Hope Network (3075 Orchard Vista Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.