In Memory of Perry Richardson Bass, 91, a true philanthropist

Perry Richardson Bass, who turned a small fortune from his oil wildcatter uncle into a bigger fortune with a series of smart investments and then became a prominent philanthropist, died Thursday at age 91.

The family issued a statement saying Mr. Bass died peacefully at his home after a lifetime of ``remarkable accomplishment and joy." One of his greatest accomplishments was working with the Sid Richardson Foundation in Fort Worth.

Forbes magazine estimated Bass' net worth at $1 billion last year and ranked him No. 746 on its list of wealthiest Americans. With his wife, Nancy Lee Bass, he was one of the state's most generous benefactors.

Like other family members, Mr. Bass did not court publicity. In fact, his public memorial service was over in 20 minutes. Brevity was among Mr. Bass' "suggestions" for the service.
He was one of the last remaining links to a colorful era in Texas history, when wildcatters struck it rich in what were then some of the world's great oil fields.

In the 1940s and 1950s, Mr. Bass worked alongside his uncle, Sid Williams Richardson , who discovered big oil finds. When he died, Richardson, left several million dollars to his nephew.
Mr. Bass and his wife, Nancy Lee Bass , donated millions to local museums and music halls. He also served as chairman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. His philanthropic dreams transformed Fort Worth.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

But listen, don’t take our word for it….read the beautiful sentiments that have been posted on 16 pages (as of 6/23/2006) in the Fort Worth Star Telegram at http://www.legacy.com/DFW/Guestbook.asp?Page=GuestBook&PersonId=17960141.

A mother gulty of child abuse - disquieting and poignant

She sat there, so stiff and yet so frail. Uneasy and on the edge of her seat, she tried to look confident while waiting so long it seemed like an eternity. Dressed in an old baggy day dress, a shabby black purse and worn chipped shoes, the taut look of her jaw shouted anger and pain.

And then she spoke.... tentatively at first... attempting to portray confidence to the person sitting opposite her. This young mother, found guilty of child abuse, was intent on regaining custody of her young son who was taken from her and placed up for adoption in the courts. She tried to explain, to excuse herself and promise it wouldn't happen again while defending herself with a child welfare case worker. She begged and pleaded over and over.

Despite her poverty and ignorance, she was touching and eloquent while pleading her case - she had to get her precious son back....even though she put the little boys hand flat down on a scorching burner....even though she was a victim of abuse herself....even though she had no way out....and it would happen over and over again, time after time. The tension built to a tearful rage, until finally.... she accepted her fate, sadly picked herself up and left quitely.

The audience was still, incredulous, eyes of men and women filled with tears. It was all too sad and unbelievable... and the momentary silence that followed said it all - all of us in the audience were disturbed and uncomfortable with the possibility of this reality.

But it is the ineveitable for these fragile women with no out - it happens every day all across America in every kind of neighborhood. Last Sunday night this fine performance was portrayed beautifully by my young daughter, Alice, who graduated from the Sanford Meisner Center for the Arts in Los Angeles. She played the part of the young mother in Final Placement by Ara Watson.

I will never forget... you should not forget.... we all share a common humanity with this young mother... we are responsible too.