Paul Bastasch

One of six children born to Frank and Frances Bastasch in Portland, Oregon, Paul grew up camping, hunting, fishing, skiing, hiking and riding horses with family and friends from All Saints Grade School and Central Catholic High School. He treasured his lifelong Portland friendships. In 1964, he graduated from Seattle University where he met his wife, Kathy. They were married 58 years.

Paul joined the Air Force Reserves in 1964 and received basic training in Texas.

In 1970, Paul joined United Bakery Equipment Company and managed a factory in Lenexa, Kansas. He traveled extensively, visiting customers in many interesting places throughout the world. He and Kathy continued traveling until very recently.

A believer in Jesus Christ and lifelong Catholic, Paul found a home away from home at the Church of the Holy Cross in Overland Park. It was his parish for 54 years. Sharing his faith with loving and supportive parishioners was a tremendous gift and made the move from Portland easier.

In Kansas, Paul devoted his free time to his love of horses. He owned, bred, trained, rode, drove, and showed Morgan horses.

Paul was unconventional, energetic, creative and genuinely interested in other people. Always a gentleman, Paul treated all people with kindness and respect.

His generosity of time, talent, and treasure benefited many charitable and educational organizations. He loved God, his family, friends and his country. In return, he was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and two sisters. He is survived by his wife, Kathy; their children, Elizabeth, Michael, and Stephen; grandson, Josh; great-grandchildren, Aria and Addison; his brother, Tom (Beth); and brother-in-law, Mike Driscoll (Lee).

A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 1, at the Church of the Holy Cross, 8311 West 93rd Street, Overland Park, Kansas. Visitation will take place from 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM, followed by the Mass at 10:00 AM. Burial will take place in Portland, Oregon.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Paul’s memory may be made to Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, 9720 West 87th Street, Overland Park, Kansas, 66212.