Richard E. Bass, Jr., 79, of Blacksburg, VA, died Feb. 10, 2018 at Heritage Hall following a brief illness. A native Virginian, Richard was born in Washington County on Christmas Day 1938 to Richard Edward and Elinor Copenhaver Bass.
He is survived by two daughters, Ann Robeson of Yorktown, VA and Jane Eckert of Roanoke County, and a grandson, Louis Alexander Eckert of Staunton, VA.
Richard graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Richmond where he was a spirited drummer. He received a Bachelor’s degree from VA Tech in 1965 and was a proud member of the German Club and the Highty Tighties, which is the Corps of Cadets marching band. He received a Masters degree in Education from the University of Virginia in 1970.
Much of his life was devoted to public education where he served in teaching and administrative positions in Virginia and West Virginia. His “entertaining” instincts served him well in the lead role in the summer series “Honey in the Rock” and “Hatfield & McCoys” at Grandview State Park in Beckley, W.Va.
During his later years, he shared his deep knowledge of VA Tech history, his good humor and charming manner with friends as well as prospective students, parents, and dignitaries as a campus tour bus driver and chauffeur. Holiday season often found him portraying Santa Claus where his natural white beard and rotund shape complimented his jovial spirit.
There will be no services. Memorial gifts may be made to the German Club Alumni Foundation, 711 Southgate Dr., Blacksburg, VA 24060 or to The Highty Tighty Fund, payable to the VA Tech Foundation, VTCC Alumni Office, 141 Lane Hall, 240 Alumni Mall, Blacksburg, VA 24061.