Peter James Bassnett
Died: February 23, 2008 | Place: London Health Sciences Centre - University Hospital
Obituary
BASSNETT….
Peter James Bassnett died peacefully in the presence of his family in London on Saturday, February 23, 2008, in his 75th year. He will be missed deeply by his wife Ann Bassnett, his daughters Madeline (Randall) and Sarah (Dexter) and his grandchildren Hermione and Maxwell. He was devoted to a life of books and learning. As CEO of Scarborough Public Libraries for 20 years, he oversaw the expansion of the SPL system and promoted the accessibility of books and libraries. While a member of the Ontario Public Libraries Program Review, his recommendations formed a major part of the province’s new Public Libraries Act in 1984. Following cremation, a memorial gathering will be held on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. His family would like to thank the staff at University Hospital for their care and compassion. As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Toronto Public Library Foundation, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto ON M4W 2G8. Online condolences accepted at www.amgeorgefh.on.ca
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Please accept my condolences in your time of sorrow. I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Bassnett. I had the honour of working with him at Scarborough Public Library for many years. He was a very caring and compassionate person and always had a smile on his face. My thoughts are with all of his family members.
Christine Fancey
It was a great shock to learn of Peter’s departure from this domain. At SPL he was an inspiring leader who shared a lot of his skills, ideas and support to staff who were lucky enough to work with him. A methodical and organized CEO who never displayed stress, was always sartorially exemplary down to gleaming shoes even in winter, his outward and inner appearance together with an acute sense of the absurd and ready laughter, confirmed a well rounded person who led fearlessly and with compassion. His legacy at Scarborough and the library world persists in the memories of those who were privileged to know him.
Dear Ann and family
I am very saddened by the news.
I remember Peter as one of the first people that approached me at Agincourt Library when I started thirteen years ago.
Peter welcomed me to the system, and told me that he was happy to have me working at Agincourt. I will never forget his kindness.
Over the years my contact has been with you Ann and I have always enjoyed that contact. My prayers are with you and your family.
Fondly,
Lorraine Alles
Agincourt Library
Dear Ann, My deepest sympathy to you and your family in the loss of your dear husband. I worked in Scarborough Library for 33 years, with a number of Directors and Peter was a fine man and and an excellent Librarian who was a pleasure to work with. I have been retired now for 15 years, but I was always pleased to meet Peter, over the years, since then, at various library events and celebrations. May you find comfort in all the tributes to Peter, that I am sure you have received from former colleagues, like myself. Sheila McLeod
Though I did not know Mr. Bassnett personally, as a patron of the Scarborough Public Library (Cliffcrest, Cedarbrae and Agincourt branches), I wish to type ‘thank-you’ for making it a good system. A library worker myself, I appreciate good service because I know the work that goes into providing it. A ‘good boss’ makes good employees better. From the tributes here, I see Mr. Bassnett was a ‘very good boss’. May you remember him with pride and love.
Dear Sarah,
Please accept my most heartfelt condolences on the loss of your beloved Dad. May his soul rest in peace.
Joan
I wish to express my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Peter Bassnett. Peter was a wonderful source of encouragement and inspiration in the early and middle years of my career as a librarian. He was generous in giving his support and wisdom. I was greatly touched when he appeared my farewell party less than a year ago to wish me well in my new career, and I will keep that memory of him with me.
Dear Ann,
This comes as a terrible shock. My heart sank when I read your e-mail.
Accept my deepest sympathies and condolences to your family in this time of pain and sorrow.
You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Keep intouch!
Elizabeth