Skip to content

Anselmo Sergio Basso

It is with great sadness we grieve the passing of a dear man, Anselmo Sergio (Sam) Basso on March 4th, 2015 in his 92nd year. He passed away of kidney failure with his family by his side. He had been in Christine Morrison Hospice, Mission, BC for ten days where he received tender loving care. Sam was born in Italy, August 7th, 1923. In 1926, he immigrated with his parents Sante and Anna Basso and his sister Kay to Toronto. Sante was employed as a stone mason and at 15 years old Sam joined his father and learned his trade. Sam was a fine stone mason and bricklayer and built many beautiful fireplaces. In 1944 he joined the Royal Canadian Engineers and was stationed in Chilliwack, BC. He said he always wanted to come back to BC and he did, many years later. He married Betty Carrol in 1946 and together they raised 4 sons. In 1957 Sam and Betty moved to California where Sam was employed in construction as a bricklayer, building homes and installing fireplaces. In 1975 Sam and Betty moved back to Toronto, the boys were grown and remained in the US. Sadly a year later, in 1975 Betty passed away of cancer. Sam and Alice met in Toronto through family members while Alice was on a holiday in July from BC. It was love a first sight, he asked her to marry him after the third date. He moved to BC where they were married on October 28, 1978 and lived and loved for 36 years. Sam began work in construction in Stanley Park, Vancouver in 1979, where he was employed until he retired in 1988. Sam and Alice then moved to Agassiz. He leaves to mourn his wife Alice of Agassiz, his sister Duilia Palermo of Toronto; his three sons, Paul (Candice) in Arizona, Danny (Jody) in Florida and Tom (Debbie) in Chilliwack; his second family Bonnie (Fred Townsend), Tom (Bonnie) Berkiw, Joe (Soili) Berkiw, Mary Ann (Art) Yates, Kathleen Berkiw (Milton White) and Carolyn Berkiw. Grandpa Sam was much loved by his combined families of 27 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Sante and Nettie (D’Andrea) Basso, his first wife Betty, his sister Kay, brother-in-law Frank Francheschini, son Larry, granddaughter Sharma Basso and grandson Noah Yates. After moving to Agassiz, Sam and his friend Cliff would walk to town and join Wes, Larry and Tor for coffee each morning for many years. Sam loved to floor curl at the Friendship House as well as dance on Saturday night with the jammers. He made many lasting friends, but when his failing health caused him to leave his social life, he still continued to keep in contact with old friends. Sam always loved to fish and hunt and he spent many wonderful

years fishing in Canada and California. If there were fish, Sam could always catch them. He loved to repair things and when he finished and everything worked well again, he would say “never underestimate an Italian.” A celebration of life will be held on May 23, 2015 at 2pm at the Friendship House on Morrow Road. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Christine Morrison Hospice at 7324 Hurd St., Mission, BC, V2V 3H5, or a charity of your choice.



Your condolences will be approved within one business day. You will need a valid Facebook account. Please email us if you have any questions.