George "Smokey" Francis Bass

February 17, 1931 - August 13, 2011

George was born in Los Angeles, the only child of Mary Francis Connelly and James Bass. He was an avid fire buff and earned the name "Smokey" in his early years as he followed fire engines to fires and often smelled of smoke. He joined the Vernon Fire Department in 1953 and was active for thirty-five years, progressing through the ranks. The last ten years he served as fire chief and fire marshal. Smokey was passionate about the preservation and appreciation of fire service history, especially in Los Angeles. After retirement from the fire department, George spent thirteen years as a Bell city councilman, serving two terms as mayor. It was his mission as a councilman to ensure that the infrastructure of the city of Bell was up to date when he retired from the council in 2003. He met and married Janice Leal in 1965 and during 46 years of marriage had two children: Mary Frances Rutz (Michael) and Timothy (Theresa). He is the beloved Papa of five grandsons: Adam, Aaron, Isaac, Ryan and Brandon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Parents Against Cancer, Inc., P.O. Box 90213, Long Beach, CA 90809-2644. Rosary is Friday, August 19, 2011 at 7:00p.m. Funeral Mass on Saturday, August 20, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. Both to be held at St. Cyprian Catholic Church, 4714 Clark Avenue, Long Beach 90808.

Please sign the guestbook for George at www.luybenfamilyd-m.com.

Luyben Family Dilday-Mottell (562) 425-6401