Elmer Bass

Elmer Bass died peacefully at his home on December 5, 2014. The son of Jim and Agnes Bass, he was born at their ranch in Union County, NM on March 2, 1925. He is survived by Marti, his loving wife of 33 years; his son, Terry Bass; his daughter, Sheryl and her husband Joe Loftus; three granddaughters, Leah, Mindy and Elizabeth; and great and great-great grandchildren who live in Phoenix. Elmer is also survived by his sister, Leah Lynn Easter. He was preceded in death by his parents; four siblings; four half-siblings; and his grandson, Jonathan Coriz. Elmer graduated from Portales High School and attended ENMU until he became old enough to enlist in the U.S. Navy Air Corps. Through the G12 program, he attended Georgia Tech and St. Olaf College while training as a navigator preparing for the final push in the Pacific. Following his honorable discharge, he enrolled on the GI Bill at Highlands University where he earned his BA and MA. He first taught at Aztec High School, became elementary and high school principal at Estancia, taught in Long Beach, CA, then at Belen High School. He began his 35 year career with APS at Garfield Junior High, at Highland High as director of attendance, then as principal of John Adams Junior High. In 1969, he was appointed Eldorado High School's first principal where he served for 12 years. In 1981, Elmer became principal at Del Norte High School where he served until his retirement from APS in 1987. While principal at both EHS and DNHS, Elmer served on the Executive Board at the NMAA. One special contribution was to chair the committee that designed the coveted state championship trophies. He was also a long-time basketball referee for the organization. In 1993, he was inducted into the NMAA Hall of Fame. Elmer and Marti traveled extensively in the US and when they were both retired, they traveled the world to enjoy the beauty and diversity found in other cultures and civilizations. Elmer was involved with the Rotary Club of Albuquerque through Marti's membership. He is a Paul Harris Fellow and a Centennial Clinton P. Anderson Fellow. Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to the Explora Centennial Project, Albuquerque Rotary Charitable Foundation, P.O. Box 3807, Albuquerque, NM 87190, or to the charity of your preference. The family wishes to thank Dr. Malcolm Purdy and the caring staff at Hematology Oncology Associates who helped Elmer in his battle with leukemia. At Elmer's request, no services will be held. Following cremation, he will be interred at Santa Fe National Cemetery. FRENCH - Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400