Henry Helmer Basso

Henry H. Basso, age 93, of La Grande, died December 24, 2015. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Presbyterian Friendship Center with lunch to follow.

Henry H. Basso was born in 1922 in Cloverdale, WA, to Augusta and Henry W. Basso. He attended school in Kalama, WA, graduating in 1941. While in high school, Henry was active in Future Farmers of America and football.

Henry entered Washington State College (University) in 1941. He graduated in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Poultry Husbandry, after serving 4 years in the army. While at WSC he served as Secretary and President of the Poultry Science Club. He was a member of the Agriculturist publication and reporter for his fraternity's national magazine, Sickle and Sheaf. Henry was also actively involved with the Intrafraternity Council, the All-Ag Club Executive Council , and as President of his fraternity, Alpha Gamma Rho.

Henry and his brother, Viljo, were called in the draft in 1942 on the same date. Henry was given a 15-day furlough, after induction, to go back home and help his widowed mother sell her small strawberry, poultry and dairy farm and relocate to another residence. He was sent to Camp Kohler CA for Signal Corp basic training. He also attended U.C.L.A. for an Army Specialized Language Training Program and trained for 9 months in radio repair before being shipped overseas. A few years ago Henry wrote, "In my mind the real heroine in this personal war story is Augusta Basso, my mother, who sent two sons to war and gave up her home. She also went to work in the Kaiser Ship Yard in Vancouver, WA during the war.

In 1947, upon returning to WSC, Henry attended an all-school mixer where he saw Jackie Hansen, and in his words, "made the smartest move of my life, asking her to join me in a slow dance." She said yes to the dance and they were married, after graduation, in 1949.


Jackie and Henry settled in Hoquiam, WA and Henry joined Jackie's father in the furniture business. During their years in Hoquiam, they had three children, Gail, Dale and Julie. When Jackie's father retired, they sold the furniture store and, in 1971, purchased Globe Furniture in La Grande, OR. Henry served on the Grande Ronde Hospital Board of Trustees, Union County Fair Board, United Way, Blue Mountain Barbershoppers, La Grande Elks Club, and as President of the Chamber of Commerce in 1974.

Henry retired in 1985 and was very thankful he and Jackie had so many wonderful years of retirement together. They spent happy winters golfing and shopping in Palm Desert. They enjoyed vacations in Japan, Alaska, Mexico and the Mediterranean. But the most important trips for Henry were to Finland where he enjoyed connecting with his many cousins and his Finnish heritage.


Henry was preceded in death by his father, mother, brother Viljo, nephew David, and wife of 65 years, Jackie.

He is survived by daughter, Gail Anne (Richard) Girtz of Bainbridge Island, WA; son Dale (Rhonda Sue) Basso of La Grande, OR; daughter Julie (Greg) Howard of La Grande, OR; grandchildren Bradford (Virginia) Girtz of Ashvale, Hampshire, England; Calvin Howard of Boise, ID; Nicole (Cody) Grimm of Salem, OR; Caroline Basso of Monmouth, OR; Loren Basso of La Grande, OR; nieces and nephews Pix Basso; Dan (Cindy) Basso; Alan (Vicky) Basso all of Kalama, WA.

The entire Basso family will be forever grateful for the special care from Drs. Susan Rice, R. Lim, M. Bronstein and the GRH nurses and staff, who made him feel so loved.

We are also thankful to GRH Home Health and Hospice for creating a supportive environment during Henry's last two months of life.


Thank you to the staff and residents of Grande Ronde Retirement for their friendship and concern for our entire family.


Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Henry Basso to GRH Home Health or GRH Hospice @ PO Box 3290 La Grande, OR 97850, or Washington State University Foundation C/O CAHNRS, PO Box 646228 Pullman, WA 99164-6228.

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