Harry W. Bass, Jr. -- Memories of His Life
My Husband, Harry 
Doris Bass
Born into immense petroleum-based wealth which might easily have lured him into
leisurely pursuits, my husband applied his considerable intellect and resources to
more esoteric interests, assembling in his lifetime a pre-eminent coin collection,
developing a world-class ski area and launching a once solidly Democratic Texas into
a two-party state.
An idea man whose inquisitiveness prompted him to research and brainstorm any issue
of interest until he knew every aspect of it, Harry was rewarded in the latter years
of his life with an intimate self-taught knowledge of computers which he would use
to carry forward into the next century his visionary ideas for ANS.
The enigma of Harry, the man, defies any effort to paint him with one broad brushstroke
of description. At once engaging and dynamic, dogmatic and dour, he could stubbornly
press a point until his opposition gave up in frustration. Often outrageous, yet
deeply sentimental, he was alternately adoring and authoritative at home depending
on the stress level engendered outside it. Never once, though, did I doubt his love.
Harry was unequivocally a loyal. devoted husband whose home, our home, was his refuge;
our frolicking fox terriers a source of contentment and joy.
Harry was my bedrock, my anchor, my base to return to. I miss his off-the-wall humor,
his counsel, the quick take on situations which he patiently, fervently articulated
at the dinner table. Most of all, I miss my number one fan, the tender. compassionate
soul beneath a crusty exterior who was always there for me, the person who understood
and stood up for me as no other ever had.
With certainty, I can say there will never be another Harry Wesley Bass, Junior.
Next >
Preface - We Will Miss Him
Part One - Coming of Age
Part Two - Bass Buys A Mountain
Part Three - The Lore of Numismatics
Part Four - The 1989 ANS COAC Exhibition
Part Five - The Harry Bass Era at ANS
Part Six - Harry Bass Foundation