Eddie Basha’s funeral was truly a sight to see
Apr 9, 2013, 6:24 PM
Saturday morning was a memorable hallmark in my life.
I was priveliged to be the master of ceremonies at the memorial service for Valley business giant, philanthropist and good friend Eddie Basha. I spoke here last week about his passing and his legacy, but for those of you that couldn’t attend in person at Gammage, let me take a moment to reflect on the way we experienced this extraordinary farewell.
Thousands were in the audience, including former governors Janet Napolitano and Bruce Babbit. On stage, Eddie’s lifelong friends gathered. Arizona leaders like ASU President Michael Crow, attorneys Dan Cracchiolo and Mike Gallagher, businessmen Herman Chanen and Art Hamilton. Virtually the entire Basha family was there, all with one thing in common: Their unconditional love for eddie basha and a group comittment to expose him as the wickedest practical joker ever.
It was an amazing celebration with laughter neutralizing the tears and the music of the Beatles offering Eddie Basha’s own feelings about everyone there: “In my life, I’ve loved them all”.
I’m Pat McMahon.
