Ray Bassler
Ray Bassler was a man who served his country, his community, and the people around him with quiet strength and steady pride.
Ray served in the United States Navy from 1961 to 1966 as a Boiler Technician, a role that demanded grit, discipline, and a willingness to work behind the scenes to keep everything running. During his time in service, he was stationed aboard the USS Dixie (AD-14), as well as the USS Robinson (DDG-12) and the USS Wedderburn (DD-684). Like many who served in those roles, his work may not have been visible to the outside world—but it was essential, and it mattered.
After his time in the Navy, Ray built a life rooted in hard work and craftsmanship. He spent many years in the auto body industry, working at Jerry’s Body Shop, Sunset Dodge, and Dan Barton Oldsmobile. His hands helped restore what was damaged, a quiet reflection of the kind of man he was—someone who understood how to fix things, not just with tools, but with patience and care.
Ray was also a proud member of the Wolfpack Motorcycle Club and the Idaho Patriot Guard Riders. Through those brotherhoods, he continued his life of service—honoring fallen veterans, standing for those who could no longer stand for themselves, and riding with purpose and respect. These were not just affiliations to Ray—they were commitments.
In more recent years, Ray became a valued member of The Veterans Club, Post Falls Chapter. Around the coffee table at Patriot Pour, he was part of the steady presence that makes the room feel grounded. Men like Ray don’t always say the most—but when they do, people listen. And even when they don’t, their presence alone speaks volumes.
Ray represented a generation that didn’t ask for recognition, but earned it nonetheless. He showed up. He worked hard. He stood for something. And he stayed connected to the brotherhood long after his uniform came off.
He will be missed by those who knew him, rode with him, worked alongside him, and shared a cup of coffee with him.
Ray is survived by his wife, Kale, his son Ken, and his daughter Michelle.
But like so many who came before, Ray is still on watch—just in a different way now.
Ray was a great guy who loved the Post Falls chapter of the Veterans Club. He was loyal, generous, and loved the all the vets. Several members had an opportunity to meet with him and Kale while he was hospitalized.
Many have prayed for him and with him.
Yes, he is gone, but not forgotten.
—Tim Greeley
Chaplain
I met Ray last year at one of The Veterans Club Patriot Pour meetings. Ray was a proud veteran of the United States Navy and would oftentimes wear his “tin-can Navy” baseball cap. He always greeted everyone with his sparkling white smile.
He was a true gentleman and loved and respected not just the veterans, but also those of us who had served in law enforcement. I had the honor of receiving a challenge coin from Ray made especially for police officers, and I will always cherish it. He called me “kid” whenever he saw me.
As Ray continued to attend the meetings, he grew especially close to his fellow Navy boiler tech, Mike Frank. I remember hearing Ray telling Mike to make sure he got himself checked out and stayed healthy due to the nature of the job.
Ray had a heart for everyone at the Post Falls Chapter. The veteran wives painted a beautiful heart during one of our ladies’ night out events, and I presented Ray with it a couple of months ago. I told him that we wanted to show him that he was not just in our prayers, but in our hearts. He was quite touched by this show of respect, friendship, and by the love of Christ which we shared for him.
I was honored to meet him and call him a friend. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ray was a good man, friend and fellow SNIPE.
His sea stories and tales of steamin the boilers down in the fire room were priceless and brought back so many great memories. Ray will be missed but not forgotten. And as all Snipes hold true to each other, we will keep the fires lit and steam pressure up!
Enjoy your eternal liberty call Ray.