BOONE, Iowa—Nick Bassett spent his entire life inspiring and giving others. Even in the final moments of it.
Nick took the honor walk to donate his organs on January 27. He passed away at the age of 29 with his mother Ann, father Vick and loving sister, Heather, his biggest supporter, with him.
It was a fitting final act for Nick who did anything he could for others. That’s how Nick lived his life ever since he was born on July 17, 1992. He inspired and gave to others and rarely let anything slow him down.
A 2011 graduate of Boone High School, Nick did everything. He was involved in FFA, 4-H, speech, drama, the school newspaper and advance choral and swing choir. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, singing and most of all, sports. He loved the Iowa State Cyclones and became a frequent and popular caller on local radio shows.
But Nick not only watched. He participated. And he was a star. Nick competed in track and field at Boone High School and won the bronze at the state meet in the 100, 200 and 400 meter wheelchair races. He participated in RAGBRAI for seven years with the Adaptive Sports Iowa team, as recently as 2019. He worked for United Community School District as a teacher’s assistant for years.
But Nick’s ultimate passion was sports, as a lifelong Iowa State fan. Some of his biggest joys in life were sitting with Vick and Ann in their seats at Jack Trice Stadium. He cheered on the Cyclones to some of their biggest wins over the years. Nick was also determined to be back in his seat for the first game of the season after having his legs amputated.
He promised Iowa State fans with an inspiring Tweet that included the phrase “I will.” And Nick did. He sped through his rehabilitation process and was back in his seat when Iowa State played Northern Iowa. Nick even inspired Iowa State football coach Matt Campbell, who invited him to practice and had him speak to the team. Nick was featured in The Des Moines Register and on ESPN’s “College GameDay.”
Nick made sure that newfound fame was used to help others. He wanted his story to inspire others and let them know that anything was possible, because with Nick, anything was possible, even in death where he continued giving. Nick, whose goal was to be an organ donor, had that wish fulfilled with one kidney going to a stranger.
Now he can continue to inspire and help others.
Nick was preceded in death by his brother Alexander Bassett; his grandparents Bud and Elaine Flannery; and his uncles Denny Flannery and Mike Flannery. He is survived by his parents Vick and Ann Bassett of Boone, IA; sister Heather Bassett of Boone, IA; grandparents Fritz and Jenny Bassett of Napier, IA; aunts; uncles; other relatives; and many friends.
A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 3, 2022 at the Sukup End Zone Club located on the south side of Jack Trice Stadium at 1732 S. 4th Street, Ames, IA 50010. Visitation with the family present to greet friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at the Sukup End Zone Club. Burial will take place at a later date at Rose Hill Cemetery, east of Luther, Iowa. The family requests that everyone wears their Nick Bassett t-shirts to the funeral in honor of Nick.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family and they will decide which of Nick’s favorite charities to donate to.
Online condolences may be left at www.schroederfuneral.com.
Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home, 609 7th Street, Boone, Iowa is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Nick Bassett, 29, Boone, Iowa
