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EDWIN JEROME BASS (BASOVSKY)
Born: Jan 29, 1923
Date of Passing: May 27, 2019
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EDWIN JEROME BASS
(BASOVSKY)
Edwin was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on January 29, 1923 to Max Basovsky and Goldie (Kimmel) Basovsky.
He was predeceased by his loving wife of 69 years, Lucille (Sapera) Bass. He is survived by his two sons, Louis David Bass (Judy Zimmer) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Dr. Harvey Bass (Donna Butcher) of Grand Falls, New Brunswick, and daughter Kathryn Dailey (Charles) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, six grandchildren, Aaron Max (Jeanne), Danielle Eva (Paul), Kaitlyn Nicole (Jeremy), Sophie Fernande (Mathew), Alec Louis (André) and Kendra Gwendolyn, four great-grandchildren, Evelyn, Aurélie, Béatrice and Juliette.
At the age of 19 Edwin volunteered to join the Royal Canadian Air Force. He was trained at the Chatham, New Brunswick Airforce base before being deployed to France with the Second Tactical Air Force, 226 Squadron (an international Royal Airforce Squadron of Canadian, British, Australian and New Zealand Airforce personnel). Two weeks prior to his deployment he met his bride Lucille Sapera and they married on September 5, 1942. Edwin participated in the invasion of Normandy flying air cover for the troops on Juno Beach. He remained actively involved with making sure his squadron and those that lost their lives were remembered. Edwin complied a series of stories from people who had flown with his squadron, publishing "Grumpy Flies Again". He also was invited to join a mission on board an Airforce transport to Juno Beach to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion of Normandy in 2014. After completing 50 air missions Edwin was reunited with Lucille and they began their life together at the Pennfield Ridge R.C.A.F. station in New Brunswick. He was honourably released as a very well decorated hero in 1945 and transferred to the reserves. Most recently (October 6, 2014) the Republic of France appointed him Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour, the highest honour of merit for military and civil merits.
Edwin was granted his PhD on October 7, 1954 from the University of Manitoba. His professional career in the field of Chemistry gave him the opportunity to travel the world. He always brought Lucille jewellery with precious or semi-precious stones native to the region he travelled. His last job with the International Grains Institute in Winnipeg brought people from around the world to Winnipeg to learn how to use Canadian Grain. Lucille always hosted an evening with all the participants for a truly remarkable multi-cultural experience. Upon retirement Edwin volunteered with the Canadian International Development Agency with Lucille. They travelled on diplomatic missions to Singapore, India and Hong Kong.
Edwin lived a long and productive life. He will be remembered by all those he met for his love of life, gentlemanly demeanor and kindness. He will be dearly missed.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 01, 2019
Condolences & Memories (1 entries)
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Edwin was the navigator in my Grandfather's air crew in RAF 226 squadron in WW2. I am very grateful to have been able to find and communicate with him (I am from New Zealand) aout some of his experiences in the war. My Grandfather Jack Read died in 1986 when I was young so I did not talk to him much about the war. It was so good to be able to converse with Ed briefly to understand some of his and their experiences from the war. Rest in peace Ed and say hello to Jack for me. - Posted by: Martin Read (Grandson of Air Gunner/Wireless Operator of WW2 aircrew) on: Sep 12, 2025