Vale Bob Basham
by Boating Industry Association 9 Apr 18:16 NZST
Vale Bob Basham © Boating Industry Association
BIA is saddened to learn of the recent passing of Robert (Bob) Basham. Bob passed away peacefully earlier this week following a short illness. Bob was 96 years old.
Bob will be forever known for the eponymous RW Basham, one of Australia's leading marine wholesale businesses, founded in 1968 with his wife, Shirley, and remaining as a family business for over 50 years.
His passion for sailing was equally well-known. Bob's enthusiasm for introducing people, particularly young would-be-sailors, to share this passion, along with his determination to bring his marine industry peers together to help grow sailing saw the creation of the Try Sailing Days program, delivered by the BIA in the 1990s.
Bob's commitment to the marine industry in Australia saw him serve for many years in roles with the BIA, with this being recognised with the conferring of Life Membership of the Boating Industry Association of NSW in 2004.
A true gentleman and champion of the marine industry, Bob will be sadly missed. BIA sends it condolences to Bob's wife Shirley, his children Martin, Craig, Luke, and the extended Basham family.