Douglas S. Bashaw, 44, died August 6, 2008 as the result of a motorcycle accident.

Born January 16, 1964, in Springfield, Vermont, he was the son of Carroll and Patricia (Roys) Bashaw.

Doug was best known throughout New Hampshire and Vermont as an accomplished musician and sound engineer. Doug was fierce in his commitment to music, a passion that can be traced to an early influence. Doug’s father taught him to play a mandolin when he was just three years old. Doug enjoyed playing bass guitar and providing vocals in a number of bands over a period of more than 25 years including Block Party, Signature, Mistress, Shine and most recently Sun King.  Doug worked a variety of jobs in his lifetime, working as a truck driver with Uni-First in Lebanon, NH at the time of his death.

Doug married Kelly Hood on April 1, 2000. Surviving family members include his wife Kelly (Hood) Bashaw, daughter Kurstin Bashaw, of Charlestown, stepdaughter Teah (Hood) Ranney of Westminister West, VT, two step-grandsons Garrett and Sawyer.  Two sisters, Dianne Gage of Walpole and Donna Bashaw-Benvie of Charlestown, his parents of Charlestown, and his grandmother, Elmira Allen of Springfield, his in-laws Jim and Gwen Hood of Saxtons River, VT and brother-in-law Shawn Hood and Shawn’s wife Debbie of Acworth, also survived Doug.  In addition, Doug’s five nephews and one niece, with whom he enjoyed close relationships, survive along with several great nieces and nephews, aunts, an uncle and many cousins. Also surviving is a myriad of friends that Doug insisted were a part of his family.

Calling hours will be held at the Charlestown Memorial Chapel the afternoon and evening of Wednesday, August 13^th, 2008 from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00.  A memorial service will follow on Thursday, August 14^th, 2008 at the VFW Hall on Lovers Lane in Charlestown from 1:00-5:00.  Graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Doug took great pride in his relationships with family and cultivated long lasting friendships. He was extremely proud of his daughters and loved them deeply. Doug worked hard to support young adults interested in music and encouraged talent when he saw it.  Doug worked in support of a variety of benefits throughout his career, providing both sound equipment and entertainment to raise money. Ever ready with a joke or comical story, Doug’s gift of laughter and a contagious smile will be sorely missed. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be held for a future date to support a benefit concert sponsoring a cause that reflects Doug’s interests.  Your participation and support would be much appreciated by the family.

Doug died on a motorcycle of injuries that were surely sustained as a result of not wearing a helmet, a momentary lapse in judgment that cost him his life.  Normally a helmet user, he perhaps as a matter of convenience, did not put his helmet on for what he perceived as a quick five-minute trip.  Doug’s family is united in their belief that helmets are essential when using motor and recreation vehicles as well as bicycles and rollerblades. The family urges the responsible use of helmets, no matter how short the trip.