Did you know?
Bashaw was incorporated as a village in August 1911 and was originally called Forster. According to the Bashaw & District book, Over 100 Years of Memories, “there are conflicting reasons for its naming. One is it was named after Mrs. Steers’ brother or the other after a man who was killed when putting in the rail in 1910”. Because there was also a Forster, Saskatchewan, it was decided that the name be changed to Bashaw after the man that had done so much to develop it.
BASHAW FAMILY
The land where Bashaw is situated was homesteaded by Joe Louis, a Metis. Mr. Bashaw was involved in a very interesting land deal. According to the history book, Joe Louis, Frank Allan, Alec Salmon and Art Robinson were involved in a serious poker game. Joe Louis ran out of money and put the title to his land in as security for the pot. On the turn of a card, Joe Louis lost his land. Andy Allan, the winner of the game, later sold the quarter section to Mr. Bashaw for five hundred dollars.
Mr. Bashaw started a homestead at the narrows. Mr. Bashaw started a lumber business in Alix. When the railroad started to develop in the area (1909), Mr. Bashaw took the opportunity to sell lots of the town section. He disposed of his lumber business in Alix and devoted his attention to this upcoming community, which was later named after him. Interestingly, the railway would not have come through our town if not for Mr. Bashaw. When Eugene heard of the railway extending to Jarvis rather than through Bashaw, he headed to Camrose and struck a deal with the GTP. This deal ensured the town would gain the railway. This was instrumental in the growth of our town.
Condolences to the Bashaw Family
We send our condolences to Don Bashaw’s family at the news of his passing. Donald Robert Bashaw, 96, passed away on January 25, 2019, with his wife and son by his side. He was born on June 2, 1922, in New Westminster B.C., to Vic and Gladys (Powers) Bashaw. The family soon moved to Snoqualmie Falls, as they were US citizens, and Don grew up there.
In 1942, Don began his service in the United States Navy. He was attached to the Fleet Air Wing 13 and was active throughout the South & Asiatic Pacific theatres. Don was honourably discharged in 1945.
He satisfied his interest in logging and began working for Weyerhaeuser and the US Forest Service, where he served as Timber Sales Officer for over 14 years.
In 1963, Don married Maxine Feroglia. Between the two of them, Don and Maxine had seven children. Together they raised a family and built a successful thoroughbred horse breeding program at their ranch in Ellensburg. They produced some racing champions, including Proud Admiral and Ginger Sauce. Following the sale of the farm, Don and Maxine moved to Camano Island for 10 years. Before settling back in Ellensburg, they travelled until their hearts’ content and lived in many different places.
Don is survived by his wife of 55 years, Maxine, and children Mary (Tim) McKibben, Patricia Bashaw, Jim Bashaw, Donald (Linda) Bashaw, Robert (Carla) Kriegel and Brian (Debra) Bashaw. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and son Billy Bashaw.
Full Military Honors were held on February 11, 2019, at 11:00 am at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th St, Kent, Washington.
Together Don and Maxine agreed, “It has been a wonderful life.”
