Walter Bass
Walter Richard Bass III of St. Louis, MO, died at the age of 57 on December 21, 2020, after a short battle with metastatic prostate cancer while in hospice at Evelyn’s House.
An African proverb says when an old man dies, a library burns to the ground. And if you ask the friends and family of Walter Bass, they’d say the knowledge and wisdom he took with him at his early passing equated to a massive bonfire. Walter, a life long learner, turned over the rocks of life’s mysteries with a child-like curiosity. No detail or moment of life was too large nor small for his time and attention. Many considered Walter a modern-day Renaissance man.
Walter was born on October 11, 1963 in Kansas City, MO, and raised in nearby Raytown. After a short time in Columbia, MO, Walter settled in St. Louis in the early 90’s. Throughout his life, he pursued many passions and built a vast network of friends. It was hard to go anywhere without running into someone who knew and loved him. Every moment in life was ripe for investigation, introspection, and celebration to Walter. From skateboarding to snowboarding, from motocross racing to mountain bike runs, from family camping trips to seeing live music, from craft beer to scotch, Walter embraced life and those he loved. Walter enjoyed his work at Illumina as a Field Service Engineer where he installed and maintained cutting-edge genetic sequencing equipment for the last 12 years. His work proved challenging and rewarding, and he cherished those he worked alongside. Family and friends were considered his dearest gifts.
Walter’s final days were spent visiting with loved ones. He was brave and compassionate leaving behind a wake of love which touched many. Appropriately, Walter passed peacefully on the day of the great conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in 2020 – the closest since 1623 and the closest observable since 1226. And if you knew Walter, you’d agree he would have selected just such a day to hop a ride to the next world.
Walter is survived by his life partner Brooke Hoffmeister, daughter Phoebe Martinez-Bass, step-son Miles Bradley, mother Wanda Spencer, siblings Charles (Jill) Bass and Mary Bass, nieces Mary Claire (Graham), Katie, Maya, and Edie, and many cherished family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Dr. Walter Richard Bass Jr, and a brother David Bass.
Service/Donations:
Per his request, Walter was cremated. A celebration of life will be planned for later in 2021 when it’s safe to gather. Donations in Walter’s memory can be made to Evelyn’s House or Pedal the Cause.
I am Aunt Patty to Brooke I share the great loss of Walter with her. When I first met Walter, knowing me,
I was looking for some kind of flaw in him, but just could not find one. He has a natural laid back style about him that was very attractive. Walter was perfect for my one and only niece which made me feel really comfortable around Walter. I will never forget one magical night in St. Augustine when Walter and Brooke visited. The three of us went to a small bar named Odd Birds. We met up with Brooke’s and Walter’s friends who where in town for cancer support running event .The evening along with our great bartender, Brooke, Walter, Amy, Jill and others began so fun and then crossed the street to Stogies and danced to Grateful Dead music. The girls got a Uber and Brooke, Walter and I walked home. While walking especially crossing the Bridge of Lyons, there was much stumbling and babbling between those two. We got home smelling of cigars, liquor, and bar room fun, but safely.
While all these events sound typical for a fun night out for most people, it turned out to be the most magical night I have ever had in St. Augustine, and I could never ever duplicate that evening again. I have to thank the girls that were their, my sweet niece Brooke, and of course Walter. Walter’s spirit is still present with all of us. He was so very special.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I knew Walter from school in our junior high days. I remember we went to the 8th grade sweetheart dance together and he gave me the sweetest valentines card. I still have it in my scrapbook. Life isn’t fair and he passed way too young. It sounds like he made his stamp on this world. God bless. I know and believe he is resting peacefully with Jesus eternally. ✝️????
The time I knew Walter was far too short, but in that time I recognized him to be one of the most sincere people that I knew. I genuinely enjoyed our many conversations over a great scotch, and have been so touched to see how many people remember him so fondly.