Clayton F. Bassett

From the January 28, 2002 issue of The Country Chronicle

Grafton, NH–Clayton F. Bassett, 40, died in a tragic accident on January 15, 2002. A much loved man who grew up in Grafton, NH. Clayton lived in Novato, CA at the time of his death. His sister-in-law Laura said “He crammed 80 years into his short 40 years of life.” He lived life as there wasn’t a tomorrow and everyday was new and exciting to him. He loved his work with a passion. Long hours and hard work paid off as he directed his company, Peak Engineering, to become an enormous success. He had great respect for all the wonderful people he worked with. His brother-in-law Jay said, “There’ll never be another man such as Clayton.” He was devoted to his wife Barbara and their two children, Danielle and Breezy. Often he would come home after 12 hours of work and still had the energy to chase the girls around the house as they squealed with delight. He also saw Barbara through a recent serious illness with a strength and warmth few people possess.

Clayton was a devoted son to John Bassett and June (Valia) Burrington, both of Grafton. His father and mother both stated that, “We could never be more proud of a son than we were of Clayton.” Clayton was predeceased by his daughter Katie in 1994 at age 11. The loss of Katie was always present and encouraged him to always strive to be his best; and he was at everything he did. Clayton also had a very special bond with his nephews, Lief and Nathan Hogue. His family in California included his Uncle Wes Bassett and his wife Carole. Clayton will also be missed by countless friends in his hometown of Grafton.

Clayton enjoyed working with his hands and gained the nickname “Tinkerbell” on the family farm because of all his tinkering. You’d think a grown man would be embarrassed of that nickname, but not Clayton, he was proud. Even at an early age people around him were amazed at what he could accomplish when he set his mind to do it. Clayton enjoyed camping, skydiving, boating and riding ATV’s. Children held a special place in Clayton’s heart, not only his own, but any he was around. Though Clayton came across as a tough construction worker his heart was on his sleeve when a child was around. Whether it be playing peek-a-boo or just wanting to cuddle, Clayton loved when children were around him and the more the better.

Clayton served 4 years in the US Army where he earned numerous commendations, recognitions and awards. He was very proud of his enlisted years and even commented recently that he would gladly fight for his country in our most recent events. Clayton graduated from Mascoma Valley Regional High School. Clayton had a very special bond with his sister, Diane (Bassett) Burrington. His nickname for her was “Ding,” which he lovingly called her into adulthood. He loved telling stories about their growing up together in rural Grafton.

A celebration of Clayton’s life will take place on Wednesday, January 23 at 1:00 pm at Keaton’s Redwood Chapel of Marin located at 1801 Novato Blvd., Novato. Private visitation will begin at 12:00. Immediately after, all are invited to the Bassett Family home for a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Clayton Bassett Memorial Fund which has been established at the First National Bank, 975 El Camino Real, S. San Francisco, CA 94080 Atten: Randy.

Valma Bertha Coutermarsh

From the October 8, 2001 issue of The Coutry Chronicle

Enfield, NH–Valma B. Coutermarsh, 87, of Enfield died on Saturday, September 30, 2001 at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon. She was born in Lebanon on February 2, 1914, a daughter of Albert and Leda (Lambert) Bassett. She was a lifelong resident of this area and attended Lebanon schools. On November 25, 1937 she was married to Robert P. Coutermarsh. They made their home in Lebanon, Crystal Lake in Enfield and wintered in Florida until 1993. Mr. Coutermarsh died on May 6, 2000. Prior to her retirement she had worked at the Lebanon Woolen Mill, Baltic Mill in Enfield, and H.W. Carter & Son in Lebanon. She and her husband rented cabins on Crystal Lake in Enfield for 55 years. They enjoyed spending time with their family at the Lake.

She is survived by two daughters, Betty Daigle and Donna Roberts, both of W. Lebanon, 5 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, Stanley Bassett, and two sisters, Alda Chagnon and Blanche Leonard.

Friends called at the Ricker Funeral Home in Lebanon on Tuesday afternoon from 2-4 and Tuesday evening from 7-9. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Church in Lebanon. Burial followed in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Lebanon.

Katie Lynn Bassett

from the December 28, 1994 issue of The Country Chronicle

Grafton, NH–Katie Lynn Bassett, 11, died late Thursday, December 15th at her home in Grafton as a result of a house fire.  She was born in Frankfort, Germany on June 26,1983 the daughter of Clayton Bassett and Paula (Thomas) Webster.  She moved from Germany to California and has lived in Grafton since 1985.  Katie was in the sixth grade at Indian River School in West Canaan.  She liked horses and especially loved her rabbits.  She also liked playing video games.  She sang in the Indian River School chorus and played the flute in the band.

Friends called at the Ricker Funeral Home in Enfield on Monday evening from 5-8 p.m. and a graveside service was held Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Grafton with the Rev. Thomas Warner officiating.  A memorial fund has been established in her memory.

Survivors include: her father, Clayton Bassett from San Bruno, CA; her mother, Paula Webster of Grafton; a step-father, Jack Webster of Grafton; a step-mother, Barbara Bassett from San Bruno, CA; a brother, Kyle Webster of Grafton; a step-sister, Danielle Culver of San Bruno, CA; maternal grandparents, Joe & Ellie Thomas formerly of Grafton; a paternal grandmother, June Barrington of Grafton; Godparents Wes and Carole Bassett of San Bruno, CA; several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Alda Margaret Chagnon

from the July 5, 1995 issue of The Country Chronicle

Titusville, FL–Alda Margaret Chagnon, 75, died Thursday morning June 29, 1995 at the Titusville Convalescent Home in Titusville, FL.  She was born in Lebanon, NH on Nov. 20, 1919, the daughter of the late Albert & Leda Bassett, and had been a former resident of Lebanon, NH for many years, where she was employed by Lebanon Mills.  Mrs. Chagnon was a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Lebanon, and was an avid Bingo player.  She had lived in Tilton, NH for 10 years prior to moving to Titusville in 1971.  She was married to Albert “Babe” Chagnon, who died in 1969.

Survivors include:  Sons, Lucien A.  Chagnon, of Belmont, NH;  Martin Chagnon, of Titusville, FL, Gary Chagnon, Mims, FL and Leo Chagnon, of Penacook, NH; a daughter, Carie Morse, of Penecook, a sister, Velma Coutermarsh, of Enfield, NH; 11 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to Sacred Heart Church, PO Box 482, Lebanon, NH  03766, or to a charity of one’s choice.

Burial was in Sacred Heart Cemetery.  Ricker Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.