Obituary of Richard R. Basom

Richard R. Basom was born May 30, 1923 in Indian Falls, N.Y.  He was born at home at his parents' farmhouse, and his brother Robert was born two years later.  The boys unfortunately lost their mother, Mabel, to brain cancer when they were very young. Their father was re-married to Mabel's sister, Flora, who had been widowed about the same time. Richard and Robert, along with Flora's daughter, Floralyn, were raised together on the farm.
Richard received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Cornell University in 1944 when he was only 21.  He was admitted through an accelerated program at 17, and joined the U.S. Army through a two year program called Special Training for Professionals. He played the French horn in the Army band, as well.
Following his graduation, he worked as the Monroe County Veterinarian for two years, then for a local Veterinarian for two years.  He met and married Shirley Boorom, and together they established Basom Animal Hospital out of a tiny Cape Cod home on Reeves Road in Henrietta, N.Y.  From there, they built their own house and the animal hospital on East Henrietta Road, where he practiced for 41 years. 
Richard and Shirley had two daughters, Laurie and Bonnie, but Laurie was born with a congenital heart defect and died at 5 months old after unsuccessful surgery to correct it.
Richard's interests included his family, his Church, Cornell University, current events, Professional baseball and the Buffalo Bills!  And of course, he loved all animals...large and small.

Richard passed away November 12, 2017 at Age 94. Predeceased by his wife, Shirley; daughter Laurie Basom; brother, Robert. Survived by his daughter Bonnie Basom; nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Friends and family may call FRIDAY 4-7 at Miller Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., 3325 Winton Rd. S. Where Dr. Basom's service will be held SATURDAY 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the American Heart Assoc., or the Humane Society at Lollypop Farm.