Ronald E. Bass had been with the Village of Cassopolis Department of Public Works for 21 years, including six as superintendent after being promoted to succeed Dan Bates.
He told Leader Publications March 27 there was “no better job in town.”
“He loved his job and has a good bunch of people working with him,” Village President Clare Mallo said Tuesday in the aftermath of Bass’ sudden death Monday night from natural causes.
“This was a shock,” said Mallo, recalling that Bass began not feeling well during Monday night’s council meeting.
“The thing I can remember about him is he always did his job and what he was asked to do, above and beyond,” Mallo said. “Every day he did good work.”
Police Chief Frank Williams, who worked closely with Bass, agreed. “It was a big shock. I still can’t come to grips with it. Ron is going to be greatly missed in this community. He was a hard worker. He loved people and people loved him. I can’t put into words the kind of super person he was.”
Williams said Mr. Bass, a Navy veteran who wrestled in high school, coached youth sports.
Williams said after arriving at the council meeting, he asked to be driven home.
The Ron Bass Williams remembers is the DPW boss who “worked alongside his guys in the trenches,” such as moving the fire hydrant by Sam Adams Elementary School over spring break.