By Marry Bass
David had a remarkable life, a remarkable story. And I cannot tell David’s story without telling the story of our parents, our family, and our many neighbors and friends.
When David was born, the medical and educational communities offered no opportunities for those who shared David’s different abilities. As devoted parents and dedicated educators, our parents, Robert and Nadean, did not accept the limitations society placed on their beautiful baby boy. They dedicated themselves to creating a world of engagement, possibility, and opportunity for David.
They were part of a community of parents who were of like mind and who shared their tenacious character and innate sense of justice and equity. These parents worked to enrich their children’s lives and ensure they would be given the opportunity to thrive and achieve their full potential. From those humble beginnings—meeting in basements, churches, and synagogues—the Northwest Center was born. The Center offers individuals and families support and has grown into a powerful force in advocating for equity and access.
From that same community of parents came a collective voice that successfully lobbied for a Washington state law mandating public education for children with disabilities (HB 90). This was the first such law in the country, and it became the foundation for comparable legislation at the federal level, which ensures education access for differently abled children across the country.
`David’s life was full of love and support from many directions. His ever-loving and protective big brother, Bobby (Robert Jr.), was a special friend and companion. David loved hanging out with his big brother and being part of Bobby’s life. And every now and then, David would join his brother at a club in Pioneer Square that Bobby managed at the time. David would get on stage, play the drums, and enjoy a refreshing ginger beer. He was just one of the “cool” guys, hanging out at the club.
Our dear David lived years beyond what the medical profession predicted, and he accomplished more than they ever expected. He participated in all aspects of life—he was always a part of all we did as a family: driving cross-country to visit extended family members; celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and various milestones; camping, swimming, singing, socializing, and joking around. He loved working, riding the Access bus, and going to school—he felt very independent. Our uncles, aunts, and cousins provided endless love, along with the support of friends and neighbors. We included him in all of our lives, and he, in return, included us in all his joys, challenges, and triumphs.
I am proud of David’s role in the world: how he inspired our parents’ role in the DD community and the educational world more generally; how he provided everyone he met the opportunity to touch their deeper humanity, to challenge their ideas about what it means to be differently abled and what it means to accept and embrace those differences; and how he could bring a smile to the face of all he met. He was loving, lovable, and exceptionally empathetic—God gave him that superpower.
Our lives are much richer for having David in our lives. This story is about the power of love—love is an essential part of David’s story, our parents’ story, our brother Bobby’s story, and of course my story as well.
Please join David’s sister, Mary Bass, for a reception on June 15, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Monica’s Village Place 1, Community Room, 140 – 23rd Avenue S., Seattle, WA 98144.
