Basich named Distinguished Alum at St. Martin University
Published 1:30 am Thursday, January 27, 2022
Saint Martin University’s 2022 Distinguished Alumni Awards announced recently include longtime Aberdeen resident Bob Basich.
Basich graduated from Saint Martin’s College in 1949 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and earned his Master’s degree from the University of Oregon. Bob was inducted into Saint Martin’s Hall of Fame in 1992 for his excellence on the football field, according to a press release from the university.
A WWII veteran, Basich was a passionate educator in Washington State History and Government for junior high and junior college. After retiring, he served as a city councilman for Aberdeen and later served six terms in the Washington State House of Representatives.
In 1992, he received the Governor’s Proclamation and a House Resolution for 40 years of community service. His passion for life and service was richly exhibited as an athlete, teacher, coach, community activist and family man.
Other honorees include Tommy A’i, Mike Cronk, Dr. Richard B. Hecker, Bill Iyall, Tamara Jenkins, The Honorable Judge Richard A. Jones, Brig. Gen. Jill Lannan USAF, (Ret.), Rick Panowicz, Mark Templeton and Fr. Bertrand Trautman.
The 11 recipients will be honored during Homecoming festivities on Saturday, Feb. 5, in Olympia.
