Remembering and Celebrating Lee Bassett

Every community has those unique individuals who seem to pop up everywhere that help is needed, and simply have a heart for public service. Long Grove lost one of these treasures in 2018 with the passing of Lee Bassett. Lee was a compact dynamo, tireless in his dedication to the Village of Long Grove and generous with his time and passion. He was the kind of volunteer we all look up to as a role model of servant leadership. One of his biggest contributions to Long Grove was serving as the President of the Long Grove Park District. Lee donated countless hours as a local environmentalist and caretaker of his own heavily wooded property and various public open spaces throughout the Village. He served for many years as a commissioner on the Conservancy and Scenic Corridor Committee. Lee also held the office of Vice-President of the Long Grove Historical Society and was a docent for thousands of children who have participated in the Archer School and Ruth Barns programs. Some of Lee’s favorite items to show and tell were the pitchforks in our collection and how each had a varied use. Lee loved to entertain as well as educate, and both kids and adults delighted in his presence.