Donor Highlight
Profiling Friends of the
Missionary Oblates
“When I was ten, I already had a laboratory in the
basement,” he reminisces with a laugh. “I drove everyone out of
thehouse once when I made Bromine. I didn’t know it was toxic. It was
like tear gas.”
However, Bob’s family would not be able to afford his dreams for college.
Undiscouraged,
Bob passed the stringent tests necessary to be accepted by Coopers Union, a
full-scholarship university dedicated exclusively to art and science. He was
one of 200 applicants accepted, out of a pool of 2000.
After attending school for two years, Bob and his brother George were drafted for duty in World War II. AS an infantryman, Bob traveled the U.S. to France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany.
Both
veterans, George and Robert Bassemir visit the World War II Memorial in Washington,
D.C. During his time as an infantryman, Robert was stationed in France, Belgium,
Holland, and Germany.
For more information on making a gift to the Oblates or to receive a personalized gift annuity proposal, call the Charitable Gifts Department at
1-800-233-6264, or mail your check to: Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, 9480 N. De Mazenod Drive, Belleville IL 62223-1160.
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 Bob
has always known that he is “fortunate.” Although life presented
unique challenges and obstacles, he has managed to hurdle each roadblock
and continue growing and succeeding.
When Bob was 12 years old, his father died of a heart attack. Without
formal education, his mother could only find work doing housekeeping
and other odd jobs.
Bob, his older brother George, and his older
sister Dorothy all tried to chip in. For his part, Bob would try to
deliver papers during the summer, but he was holding onto his dream
of becoming a chemist.
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“My brother and I were both lucky enough to make it home. It’s
hard when you think back because a lot of boys never made it home.”
Bob returned to school and finished his degree. Soon, he began working
for Sun Chemical. Since he liked his job so much, and he knew how lucky
he was to be in his position, Bob retired only recently, at 80 years
old.
“I worked for the company for almost 60 years. Not many people
can say that.”
Although Bob officially retired from his job as Chief Research Scientist
a number of years ago, the company hired him back as a consultant.
“When I hit 80, I thought maybe it was finally time to pack it
in. Although, I still dabble with it sometimes at home.”
Bob considers himself fortunate, and he wants to share what God has
given him, by becoming a friend to the Missionary Oblates. Bob has invested
in several gift annuities with the Missionary Oblates.
“I’ve been connected to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows
for a number of years. And then I learned about the work of the Missionary
Oblates,” he explained. “The Oblates are a worthy cause.
They go all over the world helping out people in need. I was very fortunate
to have a decent job and salary, and I want to help.”
Bob’s contribution is helping the Oblates make a difference in
the world. For Bob, the chance to share the blessings from his life
was just another fortunate opportunity.
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