Don Bassin, a man whose name was synonymous with generous horse show and rider sponsorship, passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2015, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Don founded the Frantisi Inc. equestrian apparel company in 1979, which produced Grand Prix riding jackets for the Canadian jumping and eventing teams. To this day, each new team member receives their first team coat free, courtesy of Frantisi, as do Canadian riders having double-clear rounds in any Nations’ Cup competition.
Don was the loving husband of Frankie (who launched The Riders’ Habit tack store in 1981), father and father-in-law of Sari, Stuart, Caroline, Marni, and Scott, and grandfather to six grandchildren. Besides being terribly missed by family, his absence will be felt throughout the horse industry. For their years of service to the sport, the Bassin family was inducted into the Jump Canada Hall of Fame in the category of Sponsor last November in Toronto.
Memorial donations may be made to the Campbell House Hospice, 705-444-2555 or to The Odette Centre c/o The Sunnybrook Foundation, 416-480-4483.
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