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- The Keene Sentinel
New Hampshire
Perkins Bass
October 27, 2011
Former New Hampshire Congressman Perkins Bass, 99, of Peterborough died peacefully Oct. 25, 2011, at his home of old age.
The oldest son of Governor Robert P. Bass and Edith B. Bass, he was born in East Walpole, Massachusetts, October 6, 1912. He attended the Arizona Desert School in Tucson, and the Milton (Massachusetts) Academy, where he was recently honored as the only surviving member of his class. He graduated from Dartmouth College in 1934 and from Harvard School of Law, where he earned his law degree in 1937. He was admitted to the New Hampshire Bar in January 1938.
From 1942 to 1945, Mr. Bass served his country in the 14th Army Air Forces in China as a major in air combat intelligence under the command of General Clare Chennault of the Flying Tigers. He was decorated with the Bronze Star as well as the “Yun Ma” medal from the Nationalist government of China.
He was a founding partner in the Manchester law firm of Sheehan Phinney Bass and Green, practicing there until his election to the U.S. Congress in 1954. After his retirement from politics, he continued to practice law in his hometown for many years. Prior to his election to Congress, Mr. Bass served in the New Hampshire State Senate as its president and in the New Hampshire General Court. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in 1962. In later years, he was appointed and then elected selectman in the town of Peterborough.
He was married to Katharine Jackson Bass from 1941 until her death in 1972. He subsequently was married for 38 years to Rosaly Swann Bass, often remarking that her presence in his life kept him young, happy, engaged and vital. They traveled extensively and also worked together on her organic vegetable business.
Survivors include his wife of Peterborough; his five children, Alexander Bass of Peterborough, Katharine B. Cloud of Woods Hole, Massachusetts, William J. Bass of Washington, D.C., and Charles F. Bass and Posy Bass, both of Peterborough; his two stepsons, George R. Riley and Matthew B. Riley, both of Washington, D.C.; 10 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Over the years, Mr. Bass celebrated many milestones in his life. As he grew older he often quoted a favorite passage from the poem “Ulysses,” by Alfred Lord Tennyson, a quote that personified his view of his place in the world through the passage of time:
"Tho’ much is taken, much abides; and tho’
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are -"
All are welcome to attend a celebration of his life and a luncheon on Saturday, November 19, at noon at the Monadnock Country Club. Jellison Funeral Home of Peterborough is in charge of arrangements.
The family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in Mr. Bass’ memory to the Monadnock Area Transitional Shelter (MATS), P.O. Box 3053, Peterborough 03458; or to the Salvation Army, in care of James Grant, 10 Sharon Road, Peterborough 03458.
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Bassett Family Association Database
1912 - 2011 (99 years)