Dale Vernon Bass

Dale Vernon Bass, a physician who traded a general medical practice for the field of diagnostic imaging, serving as Head of the Department of Radiology for a network of hospitals across Northern California's rural regions for over five decades, passed away peacefully, at home, on October 16, 2025 at the age of 96.

Dr. Bass spent the majority of his long medical career ensuring that communities beyond major metropolitan hubs had access to sophisticated diagnostic care. From 1970 to 1994, he was the Head Radiologist for St. Elizabeth Hospital in Red Bluff, Calif., and Feather River Hospital in Paradise, Calif. After his official retirement from that role, he continued to serve for another 22 years, leading radiology departments in smaller Northern California hospitals in Quincy, Gridley, and Colusa until 2016.

Dale Bass was born on September 29, 1929, in Dixon, Nebraska, the son of Vernon and Pearl (Malcom) Bass, and grew up on the family farm. After graduating from Bethany Nazarene University in Oklahoma, he earned his medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical School, training as a general physician. He later completed a residency in Diagnostic Medicine at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, specializing in Radiology.

Before starting medical school, Dr. Bass was called to active duty with the Air National Guard of Oklahoma in Squadron 124th AC&W, from 1951 to 1953.

His early career began in 1960 in Chico, Calif., where he spent seven years in general practice alongside his brother, Dr. Dwight Bass. His interest in advanced diagnostics eventually led him to specialize in radiology, a field he remained passionate about for the remainder of his life.

When he was not practicing medicine, Dr. Bass maintained a variety of demanding and diverse hobbies. He was an avid golfer and sailor, but he remained connected to his farming roots through the raising of Black Angus cattle. He continued to express a deep and enduring love of medicine throughout his life.

Dr. Bass is survived by his wife of 40 years, Mariam Carey Bass. In addition to his wife, Dr. Bass is survived by a brother, Dr. Dwight Bass; a son, Jefferson Bass and his wife Suzanne; a daughter, Jane Page and her husband Ken; stepchildren Joy Carey and Chris Carey; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; nine step-grandchildren; and two great-step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Verna Pearl Fender; and stepson Victor Carey.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.