Reggie Bashur

April 19, 1952 - February 25, 2012
Austin, Texas

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3125 N Lamar Blvd.
Austin, TX 78705
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“In loving memory of a truly great man. ”
1 of 20 | Posted by: Peter Cirona - Mineola, NY

“Please accept my deepest sympathy on Reggie's passing. I am Aunt Joan's pastor in PA and over the past months we have constantly held Reggie and you...Read More » ”
2 of 20 | Posted by: Rev. Diana Hodges-Batzka - PA

“There is nothing we can say to adequately express the sorrow we feel at the loss of our Reggie. He has always been a child of my heart, but we know...Read More » ”
3 of 20 | Posted by: Aunt Joan and Harold - York, PA

“Mrs. Bashur, I was honored to work on campaigns or in offices with Reggie in Austin. I think I shook the first time I met him, as his teddy bear...Read More » ”
4 of 20 | Posted by: Cindy Brockwell - San Antonio, TX

“Dear Bryan & Family, May the love of those around you and the memories of love shared comfort you now and always. With love, Heather ”
5 of 20 | Posted by: Heather Billetter - Austin, TX

“Our sincerest condolences to Jan and the kids. Above all his many accomplishments, Reggie was a good man. We will keep him in our thoughts and...Read More » ”
6 of 20 | Posted by: John & Wilma - Kinnelon, NJ

“Dear Jan and children, Nothing can ease your pain right now but know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Reggie was a very special cousin to...Read More » ”
7 of 20 | Posted by: Margaret O'Rourke - VA

“Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Cindy and Pete ”
8 of 20 | Posted by: Cindy Hayes - Austin, TX - Friend

“Dear Jan, Bryan, Will, and Kathleen, We were so very saddened to hear of the loss of your beloved husband and father. May your good memories of...Read More » ”
9 of 20 | Posted by: Dave & Elaine Powell - Orlando, FL

“Reggie, I take comfort in the thought that you are now resting in the arms of the angels, with your mom and dad at your side. Jan, thank you for...Read More » ”
10 of 20 | Posted by: Janet Buckley - Wantagh, NY

“Dear Jan, We are so very saddened by your loss. We have fond memories of Reggie at the soccer fields supporting Kathleen, Ginny and the other girls...Read More » ”
11 of 20 | Posted by: Lynn Brooks - Austin, TX - Friend

“We'd all be better off if everybody did politics the way Reggie did. ”
12 of 20 | Posted by: Ken Herman - TX

“Dear Mrs.Bashur, We have a hope for our dead loved ones. For Jesus said:"Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in...Read More » ”
13 of 20 | Posted by: Emma Jean - Austin, TX

“Mrs. Bashur and Family - You are all in my thoughts and prayers in such a big way. Reggie was always very kind to me while walking the halls of the...Read More » ”
14 of 20 | Posted by: Melody Chatelle - Austin, TX

“Dear Jan, Our family is blessed to have your family as our neighbor. We’ve had the joy of watching your children grow. Bryan, Will and Kathleen...Read More » ”
15 of 20 | Posted by: Jim Thomas - Austin, TX

“Dear Jan and Family, you are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. I am blessed to have known Reggie for 20-plus years. I have relied on his steady...Read More » ”
16 of 20 | Posted by: Mona Taylor - Austin, TX

“Dear Jan: My most respectful and sincere condolences and heartfelt symphaty to you and the children! I loved Reggie! He was genuine and he...Read More » ”
17 of 20 | Posted by: Texas State Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr. Dist. 27 - TX

“Our compliments on a race well run, Reggie! It is with heavy hearts that we say good-bye until we meet again. Sending all of love to Jan, Brian,...Read More » ”
18 of 20 | Posted by: Anne Brigham - Austin, TX

“To the greatest person around--a true mentor and friend. You will be missed, ”
19 of 20 | Posted by: Peter Cirona - Mineola, NY

“It is with heartfelt sorrow I pray for the entire family and may he rest in peace. ”
20 of 20 | Posted by: Maya ingram - Dale, TX - Frirnd

Beloved husband, father, son, uncle and friend, Reggie Bashur passed from this life on February 25, 2012, with his family by his side. Born in Brooklyn, New York on April 19, 1952, Reginald G. Bashur was the only child of Ruth and Reginald George Bashur.

For nearly 30 years, Reggie's extraordinary abilities as a political and communications strategist placed him in the thick of every major political issue in Texas. He was a friend and adviser to many of the most prominent figures guiding public policy in the state, including former Governors Bill Clements and George W. Bush, Governor Rick Perry, Lt. Governor David Dewhurst and Comptroller Susan Combs. A dynamic, focused and honorable man, Reggie was a trusted ally of policy makers and respected for his integrity from newsrooms to corporate offices to the halls of the Texas Capitol.

Reggie's passion for U.S. history led to two degrees in history—a bachelor's from Adelphi University and a master's from Villanova University. He also earned a master's degree in journalism from Ohio State University.

After graduation, Reggie worked as a reporter for Dix Newspapers of Ohio, and then as press secretary for the Ohio Republican Senate Caucus. He also worked as an account executive for Hill & Knowlton, Inc. He later joined the Washington, D.C. staff of then-U.S. Senator Gordon Humphrey, R-N.H., as press secretary and policy director, and also worked on Humphrey's successful re-election campaign.

While in Washington, Reggie met the love of his life, Jan Powell. After marriage, the couple settled in Jan's home state of Texas. Reggie didn't simply move to Texas; he loved the state and its history.

In 1985, Reggie was selected by Governor Clements to serve as press secretary for his re-election campaign. He served as press secretary until mid-1989 during Clements' second administration.

With a quick wit and an uncanny ability to assess political climates, Reggie was sought after by political candidates and private sector clients. The highlights of his career are numerous: during the 1988 presidential campaign, Reggie served as Texas communications director for Vice President George H. W. Bush. In 1990, he managed the Kent Hance gubernatorial campaign. During the 1990 general election, he was communications consultant for the Clayton Williams gubernatorial campaign. From 1991 to 1993, Reggie worked for Systech Environmental Corporation, a subsidiary of Lafarge Corporation.

In 1994, he served as a consultant to the gubernatorial campaign of George W. Bush, who subsequently asked him to join the new administration in 1995 as a deputy executive assistant. In that role, Reggie helped navigate the personalities, politics and intricacies of Texas public policy for Governor Bush. Reggie was a consultant for U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison in her 2000 re-election, and he served as an advisor to the political campaigns of Governor Perry, Lt. Governor Dewhurst and former Ambassador Tony Garza. Reggie was a longtime confidant and consultant to Comptroller Combs. And for a generation of political journalists in Texas, he was an honest source of information whose word and integrity were impeccable.

Reggie's political thought processes and philosophy shaped the policies of numerous private sector clients, and he enjoyed a successful career as a government relations and communications consultant for major corporations and trade associations for many years.

Reggie was an usher and a longtime member of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd.

Above all, Reggie loved Jan and his children. When his first son was born, he told a friend, "This is what it's all about."

Reggie is survived by his wife of 26 years, Jan; children Bryan, Will and Kathleen; sisters-in-law, Joan Powell of Austin and Jeannine Scanlan and her husband, Rocky of Katy; a niece and nephew; and numerous cousins, aunts and uncles. He was predeceased by his mother and father.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Monday, February 27, 2012, at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78705. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 3201 Windsor Road, Austin, TX 78703. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall. Private burial will be in the Texas State Cemetery.

The family offers heartfelt gratitude to family and Reggie's many friends for their support and kindness, and to the staff at MD Anderson Cancer Center for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486, noting "Dr. Raymond Sawaya" in the check's memo section.

Visitation

February 27, 2012
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Weed-Corley-Fish North
3125 N. Lamar
Austin, TX 78705
(512) 452-8811

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Memorial Service

February 28, 2012
11:00 AM

Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd
3201 Windsor Rd.
Austin, TX 78731
(512) 476-3523

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Interment

This service is private.

Texas State Cemetery
7th and Navasota
Austin, TX
(512) 463-6023

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In loving memory of a truly great man.

Posted by: Peter Cirona - Mineola, NY - cousin Mar 08, 2012

Please accept my deepest sympathy on Reggie's passing. I am Aunt Joan's pastor in PA and over the past months we have constantly held Reggie and you all up in prayer. We will continue to hold you all in prayer during this time of grief. May you continue to feel God's presence, comfort and love in the days ahead. Peace, Pastor Diana

Posted by: Rev. Diana Hodges-Batzka - Lemoyne, PA Feb 28, 2012

There is nothing we can say to adequately express the sorrow we feel at the loss of our Reggie. He has always been a child of my heart, but we know that our loss is truly God's gain.

Posted by: Aunt Joan and Harold - York, PA - Family Feb 28, 2012

Mrs. Bashur, I was honored to work on campaigns or in offices with Reggie in Austin. I think I shook the first time I met him, as his teddy bear heart sometimes hid behind a scowl. I eventually learned not to be afraid of him, but to learn from him. I admired him greatly, as did so many others who had the privilege of working with him. Now he's advising somebody, somewhere in heaven. I am so sorry for your loss.

Posted by: Cindy Brockwell - San Antonio, TX - Colleague Feb 28, 2012

Dear Bryan & Family,

May the love of those around you and the memories of love shared comfort you now and always.

With love,
Heather

Posted by: Heather Billetter - Austin, TX - Friend Feb 28, 2012

Our sincerest condolences to Jan and the kids.
Above all his many accomplishments, Reggie was a good man.
We will keep him in our thoughts and prayers.

Posted by: John & Wilma - Kinnelon, NJ - Cousin Feb 28, 2012

Dear Jan and children,

Nothing can ease your pain right now but know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Reggie was a very special cousin to me and I know he will be watching over all of us.

Love and prayers,

Cousin Margaret

Posted by: Margaret O'Rourke - Charlottesville, VA - first cousin Feb 28, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Cindy and Pete

Posted by: Cindy Hayes - Austin, TX - Friend Feb 28, 2012

Dear Jan, Bryan, Will, and Kathleen,

We were so very saddened to hear of the loss of your beloved husband and father. May your good memories of him help to ease your sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Love, Dave & Elaine

Posted by: Dave & Elaine Powell - Orlando, FL - Cousin Feb 27, 2012

Reggie, I take comfort in the thought that you are now resting in the arms of the angels, with your mom and dad at your side. Jan, thank you for making the long trip to New York last September with Reggie and Will, Kate and Bryan. I will cherish the memory of that happy day we all shared. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Janet.

Posted by: Janet Buckley - Wantagh, NY - cousin Feb 27, 2012

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