DARRELL LEE BASSFORD "Pee-Wee"

Darrell Lee Bassford’s final voyage departed on Saturday, January 30 when he died at age 82.

Darrell was born on April 2, 1933 to Earl and Edith Bassford and was a lifelong resident of the Swinomish Tribal Community of La Conner.

He was a graduate of La Conner High School in 1951 and retired from Dunlap Towing after 46½ years as the operator of the tug boat “Swinomish.”

Darrell was dedicated to his sobriety and sponsored many people during their times of need. He attended AA meetings on a regular basis and made many friends throughout the years.

He loved and cherished his family; he taught them how to be humble, caring and compassionate.

Darrell was preceded in death by his wife, Margine O’dell Emmons; his daughter, Kim Bassford and his special grand dog, Riley Bassford.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Kurt and Cathi Bassford; his grandson Joey (Kristi) Williams, his grandaughter, Katie Bassford, two great-grandsons, Darrell and Jeremiah Williams, three great-granddaughters, Rylee, Kim and Joey Williams. He also leaves his sister and brother-in-law Donna and Mick Dalan and his brother and sister-in-law Danny and Margaret McKinney.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Skagit Valley Kidney Center, Mira Vista Care Center, nurses at Skagit Valley Hospital and the Swinomish Tribal Community.

Public visitation will be held today, Wednesday, Feb. 3, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Kern Funeral Home, followed by a celebration of life service at 4 p.m. on the Swinomish Reservation at the Social Service Building with a dinner to follow.

Arrangements are under the care of Kern Funeral Home.