Baselious Khamo Pius, “Basil,” “Wiska,” passed away peacefully on the evening of September 20th, 2021, at Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City, Mt, from health complications caused by Covid-19. He was 88 years old.
Basil was born in Baghdad, Iraq, the fourth of 8 children of Khamo and Sooriya “Yemma” Pius. The exact date is unknown, however, upon immigrating to the United States, he chose Thanksgiving of that year: November 22nd, 1932 to represent his date of birth.
As a child, Basil and his family lived in Habbaniya, an English military base located several miles west of Baghdad. It was there that he recalled excelling in academics and the sport of soccer, as well as developing lifelong friendships.
After high school, Basil attended the University of Baghdad, acquiring a Bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Art. While attending university, Basil worked at The Coronet Bookstore, a business owned by his brother Aprim. The inventory of the bookstore exposed Basil to the promise and culture of the West. It was there that he also had a chance meeting with the English writer, Agatha Christie. That pivotal meeting helped Basil realize that he wanted to further pursue academics and teaching. In the summer of 1958, during Basil’s final year at the University of Baghdad, Iraq began to experience the tensions of a political revolution. Under these uncertain living conditions, Basil set his sights on the United States, hoping to seek refuge while furthering his degree.
Fortunately, Basil received an acceptance letter from the University of Portland, where he eagerly joined the English Literature graduate program in January, 1960. It was there that he pushed for a soccer team, and ultimately became captain of the University of Portland Pilots.
In 1962 he completed his Master’s degree in English, and re-enrolled at the university to study education. While attending school, Basil met Betsy Bolton, who then introduced him to her sister, Babs. The two became fast friends, and Basil and Babs were later married in 1964 in Oakland, Ca. They started their family there with sons Ben and Daniel, before moving to Miles City where Basil would accept a position teaching English at Miles Community College.
Later, Basil and Babs had three more children: Shumon, Sarah and Samson.
For forty+ years, Basil enjoyed teaching English and Middle Eastern culture at MCC. Basil formed many friendships with his students and fellow faculty. Often times, he enjoyed using traditional Middle Eastern food and celebratory dancing to enhance the learning experience.
In his spare time, Basil enjoyed playing tennis and ping-pong with friends. He showed great sportsmanship, and would regularly invite players from neighboring courts to join in a game, often gaining new friends in the process. He often found camaraderie with the many foreign-exchange students who passed through Miles City. He was also involved in many community events including coaching youth soccer, cub scouts leader, The Sister Ruth Crop Walk and many others.
While teaching at MCC, Basil was also a co-owner of Tri-C Printing (1984~1993), a business he had with his friend, Syd Sonneborn. It was there that Basil found himself with quality card stock and began creating his greeting cards and thoughtful notes. Basil became known over the years, by many, for his handmade, watercolor greeting cards. He enjoyed sending these greeting cards out to friends and family for any special occasion. Basil never gave anyone a store-bought greeting card. He always made them himself, and they were always from the heart. Basil loved to paint and enjoyed celebrating life’s special moments through his cards.
Over the years, Basil formed countless friendships with many Miles City residents. He loved connecting with people through social gatherings and church functions, and never hesitated sharing his delicious home cooked meals or baklava.
Basil’s compassionate, loving nature was experienced by all who knew him, most notably his younger brother Kooya. Due to his disabilities, Kooya could not live on his own, so in 1999, Basil went through the arduous task of traveling to Amman, Jordan, to bring him to Miles City, where Basil and Babs could care for Kooya full-time. They were often seen out together, running errands or enjoying a game of tennis.
In his last years Basil was diagnosed with dementia. This condition did slow Basil down but a few things really kept him going. These things were his faith in God, his family, and the relationships he had with people. If you had a relationship with Basil, please know that he truly cherished it. He absolutely loved running into people to catch up, or just say hello.
Basil is survived by Beatrice “Babs” Pius, his wife of 57 years, Sons Daniel, Shumon, Samson, and daughter Sarah, and their families. He is also survived by His brother, Mishael “Kooya” Pius and sister Nina Lazar, numerous cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews, six granddaughters, and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his eldest son Ben Pius, his parents and 5 siblings: Mikhael “Minashi” Pius, Christina George, Aprim Pius, Raphael Pios and Melina Oshana.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 7, 2021 with the family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. A vigil service will follow at 6:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, October 8, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Custer County Food Bank, 15 N. 8th Street, Miles City, MT 59301.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday October 7, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Vigil Service
6:00 p.m.
Thursday October 7, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Friday October 8, 2021
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rite of Committal
Following the Funeral Service
Friday October 8, 2021
Custer County Cemetery
Cemetery Rd.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday October 7, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Vigil Service
6:00 p.m.
Thursday October 7, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Friday October 8, 2021
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rite of Committal
Following the Funeral Service
Friday October 8, 2021
Custer County Cemetery
Cemetery Rd.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Garth Sleight says
Oh no!!! This name came as a shock. Yes, Basil is 88, but he was so timeless. I am sorry to see this, very sorry. I loved working with Basil at the college and seeing him and Babs at community events. Back when we had MCC family potlucks, we all kept our eye on the door for when Basil would arrive with his food, and then we’d dash back to the food table. Basil’s cuisine was always unique and incredibly delicious. My sincerest condolences to Babs and the rest of the Pius family.
Stan Taylor says
Wonderful man.
Guy Lund says
Garth is so right about Basil being timeless. I met Basil as a new neighbor when he and Babs first moved to Miles City, eventually had him as an instructor at MCC then as a coworker and friend. Basil will be missed by all that knew him. My sincere condolences to the family.
Tom Zuelke says
I am so sorry for your loss. Back in the early 70’s Basil was one of my teachers at MCC. He had our whole class over to your home for dinner, so we could experience some of your homemade treats from Iraq. He was a gracious host and will be missed. All of your family are in my thoughts
David Wheeler says
I am so sorry for your loss. I had Basil when I went to MCC and he was my favorite professor. I became good friends with Basil and when we met on the street I would be late to where I was going as we would have a long discussion on what was happening in this world. He was A GREAT MAN. He will be missed by everyone whoever knew him
Nancy Swope says
Basil had such a positive attitude and visited with anyone and everyone. He loved sending cards! I remember him sending cards to my kids on numerous occasions. He would comment on their soccer game or tennis match or any small accomplishment. No matter when or where I would run into him, Basil always had a kind word. What a wonderful man!! He will be missed by many!
Raylynn Sleight says
Basil was the absolute kindest man! Such fond memories of his kindness to my family when I was a child and well into adulthood. May his memory forever be a blessing.
Mark Peterson says
As Guy noted, I also met Basil when he became our neighbor on Cottage Grove. I remember him as one of the most polite gentlemen I’ve known. My folks would occasionally see him in later years in Miles City and he was always very friendly. My condolences to his family.
Doug and Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Our prayers are being sent for Basil’s family; he was a wonderful man, teacher and member of our community.
Caroline Fleming says
I am so sorry. Babs and family, you are in my prayers. Basil was such a wonderful man, teacher, international ambassador and cook. I treasure the many memories of him. Rest in peace Basil.
Kim Smarsh says
Babs and family, my deepest sympathy to all of you. May the perpetual light shine upon him.
Karen Morris says
The world already feels emptier without Basil in it. Basil always took time to chat when you would see him. He was the kindest man and a wonderful ambassador. I remember so many encounters–with Bob Griswold, with Jobie, with my parents, at Ex Care with Kooya and Babs, at the grocery store . . . I am certain he was welcomed by many when he crossed over. He not only took time to read Dad’s book, but he told Dad in person how he enjoyed it, as well as sending a letter telling about how he grew up. He made the most delightful cards. We were all better people for having known Basil and, in that, he will live on forever. My sincere condolences to Babs and the rest of the family.
carolyn mathison says
May God wrap His arms around all of you and comfort you.. Basil was a super tennis player and he tolerated us ladies with kindness…Always a gentleman on the court!
Denise and Jay Harvey says
What a precious soul! He will be greatly missed! He always loved others with all his heart and soul! Thank you for sharing this wonderful man with our community for so many many years. There must be a great game of ping pong in heaven right now!
Ron and Ginny Hathaway says
Babe and family: our thought and prayer are with you. I made my Cursillo with Basil back in the early 70s and we became life long friends. Gods blessings be with you.
David & Danette Olguin says
We are so sorry to hear of Basil’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and may God wrap his loving arms around all of you during this difficult time.
George & Dulce María Gray says
This is sad news indeed. Basil was a good, good friend to our family over many years. He did a countless number of kind deeds for us and my parents. We will deeply miss this gentle soul. Sincere condolences to Babs and family!
Ira Gresens says
He was the best of the best
Diane M Welbes says
To the family my thoughts and prayers–He will be missed.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
Babbs and all Basil’s family-
I am so sorry to hear that Basil passed away so suddenly from COVID. It is a real hard thing to swallow. Basil was my psychology teacher at MCC way back in 1968-69 and I found him to be a very good person. He always said hello whenever I ran into him and Babbs & everyone are going to miss him very much. RIP
Lori clark says
Basil was an amazing individual and friend. He had the best stories and advice. Always made my day to see him. I enjoyed everything about this man. The love he gave and his knowledge will forever be with me. God bless his family in the time. I love you all.
Margaret and Jim Joyce says
We are so sorry to hear of Basil passing. He was a wonderful man! Babs you and your family are in our prayers!
Jessie Leidholt says
Basil was always a pleasure to meet with. A nicer man could not be found. The city is a little darker with his bright light gone.
Pat Herzog says
Bab’s and family.. so very sorry for your loss..Basil was a wonderful person..I met him when he became one of my teacher’s while attending MCC..I really enjoyed him..I pray for comfort during this very difficult time..our deepest sympathy..Pat and Monte Herzog 🙏❤
Laurie Claypool says
To Basil’s family, my deepest sympathy to you all. Basil was one of my favorite college teachers, who never forgot his students! Whenever I was at the college he would always stop and visit and ask how things were going! I will always treasure his kind and thoughtful ways!
My thoughts and prayers to you all!
Laurie Claypool and family
Pam Rogge says
My prayers and condolences are with Basil’s family at this time. He was a gentle soul who will be missed by many throughout the community. It has been nearly 50 years since I had him as a teacher at MCC and he would still call me by name when he saw me and ask about my family, etc. Cherish the many good memories! RIP Basil
Heidi Jacobsen says
Basil has been one of my very favorite people here in Miles City. He has taught our kids, coached tennis, made us food, sent us cards, came over for visits and has always been generous with his resources and his time. I am heartbroken to have lost him! Hugs to Babs and the rest of Basil’s family. We will love you forever! Basil, this town won’t be the same without you! I miss you already! This loss cuts deep.
Jackie atoeckel says
Babs and family, basil and you will always have a special place in my heart. I regret not getting back to miles city to visit. We always think time is on our side. What a treasure basil was and you are. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Douglas Ochsner says
I had the pleasure of taking his Mideast Culture class when I went to MCC. After MCC, he let me interview him about his experiences in Iraq before he came to the US during a Spring Break from DSU one year. I used the information from that interview in a History Seminar paper (my minor). He read the paper that I wrote and was very impressed with it. He will be missed.
Mike Hardy says
I am so sorry to hear this. He was such a friendly presence around the college.
Mary Grube says
What an amazing Christian man and a great teacher!! He was awesome and so kind hearted. He really had a big heart and a generous smile. Best wishes to his family and may they find the comfort in knowing he’s been welcomed home with Christ! Hugs to you all.
Bette and Dave Jewell says
Babs and family- praying for God’s comfort for you all during the coming days. So glad we were able to spend time together this summer. Basil was a true gentleman who many considered a friend- a kind and compassionate man who will be missed!
Love and prayers – Bette and Dave Jewell
Shumon Pius says
Shumon Pius here. For right now I will just say I love my BABA very much and will miss him greatly. What a wonderful life he had here on Earth! We hope to post an obituary and make arrangements for a service soon (at the time of this writing we haven’t posted one yet), but we need a bit more time. We appreciate your patience. I ask prayers and well wishes for my mother, Babs, in-particular for healing and strength. She does have the support of my siblings for now who are there with her. Your kind words and well-wishes are also much-appreciated. I hope to see some of you soon when the time comes for us to gather in Baba’s memory. Thank you and God bless you all.
Vanna Byrd says
Oh, my! I do so miss all my instructors from my years at MCC. Mr. Pius was one of my favorites. Always happy and ready to help anyone who needed it.
Joe Whalen says
Basil lived and loved well. I’m sad that he’s gone and sorry for his family’s loss.
Mike Mintz says
I am shocked to hear of the passing of Basil. I only met him a handful of times but he was so magnetic of a person that he was unforgettable. I loved his nature simplicity. He had the kindest eyes and demeanor I think of anyone I have ever met. I know he had quite the impact on his students and also the culture of Miles City. In an odd way I am glad that he lived a long life; and from what I know he was a happy man. One deserving of remembrance.
Pamela Ash says
He was my instructor when I went to the community college. He was so kind and encouraging. What a wonderful man! I will miss visits in Walmart when I’d see him.
Pamela Ash
Rick S. says
MR. BASIL PIAS was a wonderful man …he was a friend for many years. Coming from Iraq TO LIVE IN THE GREAT USA for a NEW LIFE,NEW HOPE, which he did that in soo many ways he touched soo many people in many ways. He will be missed here in Miles City he touched this town in so many ways .. loved talking to him cause he would ALWAYS END ANY conversation with GOD BLESS U MY FRIEND.. Bab so sorry to hear the bad news of Mr. Pius my thoughts and prayers are with u and the family …
Audrey Haumschild and Greg says
Hugs and prayers Babs and family. Basil was the sweetest man . I Love seeing you and him and got big hugs from yous both . He’ll be missed by a lot of people. I still have all the home made cards he made for me. They were made with care and love. RIP Basil. Give my Eric a Big Hug for me . Love yous . Audrey Haumschild
Bob and Kären Cremer says
Basil was one of my favorite teachers at MCC. We really got to know each other playing ping pong, and did we battle. We continued to be really good friends. Basil always could light up my day. He always had a positive attitude and was fun to be around. You will be missed my friend.
Prayers for you and your Family.
Ann Hagemeister and family says
We were very sad to hear this news. We have been long time neighbors. We will miss his smile. Babs and family you are all in our thoughts and our prayers.
Jeanne Cline says
Basil was a wonderful person and always so kind and thoughtful. He made homemade cards for my kids when they were young, love that he went the extra mile for people….always.
Emily Beeson says
Miles City has lost one of its greatest advocates. Basil was such a lovely, productive, energetic Renaissance man. He was always in the middle of something or on his way somewhere, but he always had time for you. This thoughtful, kind, and generous man was a lover of PEACE, history, art, SOCCER, his FAMILY–in the US and abroad–and so much more. I still have his homemade cards that marked momentous seasons in my life. Babs, Sarah, Sam, and the rest of the Pius family, you are a constant in my thoughts and I’m sending you all my love during this painful time. Please know that Basil touched so many people’s lives and our memories of his many kindnesses will continue to make us smile!
Larry Torstenbo says
Basil my friend, I know you led a fantastic life full of vigor and know very well your love of family and the sacrifices you made. I will remember your deep devotion in caring for your brother. You will always be in my prayers. God bless!
Jessie Dufner says
My heart is heavy in finding out that Basil has passed away. I first met Basil down at the tennis courts many years ago and then would run into him at MCC. He always greeted me with a smile and always asked how my family was doing. His heart was huge; his kindness for all people was genuine. Babs and family, my prayers of sympathy go out to you all. He will be missed.
Roger Provost says
Great teacher, person, and and will be missed in Miles City. He was “miles ahead”. Loved playing tennis with him. Rest in peace.
Curtis and June Fillafer says
To the Pius family. I am so sorry for the loss of Basil. I can’t begin to tell you of the many decades of chariest pleasant memories that I was involved with Basil in college and in the community with the family. God bless you Basil and I’m so sorry to see you leave us. Thank you for the thoughtful things you have done with others in the community.
sharon cope says
Basil will missed by many! He was a great guy. My thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Jan Dinardi says
My heart goes out to all the family. You are all in my prayers. He was a great teacher and friend. He always made time to visit with you when he saw you. He will be so badly missed.
Susan Quinlan says
I had Basil as an instructor at MCC in the early 80’s. I enjoyed all of his classes, but especially his Middle East Culture class. Over the years, when I talk about my college experience, his name was always mentioned as one of the most effective instructors, because he was able to draw from his life experiences as he was teaching. He always greeted me with a smile and conversation. I hope his family can read the tributes about him, and take comfort in the fact that he had an impact on so many students through out his career.
Curt, Patsy and Toby-Jeanne says
North Cottage Grove will never be the same.
Louise de Montigny says
My condolences to all of the Pius family. I so enjoyed Basel, his intellect, his enthusiasm, his good nature. He was a fine friend to many and greatly enriched the community with his gifts. Peace to all.
Brad & Frances La Verne says
Dear Babs and Family:
We extend our sincerest condolences to you and your Family at this time of grief and loss. You are in our Thoughts, Hearts and Prayers. May God Grant You His Infinite Mercy, Love & Peace. Eternal Rest Grant Unto Basil, O Lord and May Your Eternal Light Shine Upon Him.
Mike & Judy Toennis Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families.
Bryant Family says
Our deepest sympathy to the Pius family. So very sorry to hear of his passing. He will be greatly missed. Sending prayers to you all 🙏
Katie (Peterson) Taylor from Palmer St says
Bab’s, Sam, and family. I am so sorry for your loss. Basil was wonderful. He was always so kind to me every time he saw me in the neighborhood. I can remember coming over to play with Sam as a kid and him bringing
me juice in a long stemmed glass and a fancy bowl of nuts. Made me feel so special and important. Praying for you during this time. I was blessed by him and his life.
Susan & Dennis Bakken says
So very sorry for your loss. Basil was a true gentleman.
Rhonda Bonogofsky and family says
Bab’s, so many thoughts, prayers, and Rosaries sent for all of you. Love and God Bless.
Melva Curnan says
Babs and family, we’re so sorry to see of Basils passing. Our prayers and sympathy for you and your family.
Carol Hudson says
To Babs and family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss of Basil. We will be praying for comfort and peace for you all in the days ahead. It was with great honor and joy I was able to work with Basil for many years at Miles Community College-he was such a kind and compassionate man and treated all students and colleagues with great respect. Both Larry and I appreciated his kindness so much and the great role model he was for the community, his church and for the college. The community will miss him very much.
Darbie Karch and family says
To Basil’s family: so sorry for your family’s loss. He was a kind gentle soul and will be missed by all. He was one of my instructors at the college and I loved learning and listening to all his stories. He was so full of knowledge. Heaven gained a special angel. Rip Basil.
Dana L Gaviotis says
I’m sorry to read this, I had Mr. Pius in 1992, he was such a kind soul. We had great conversation and our Middle Eastern dinner was over the top. What a wonderful and kind man. Rest easy, Mr. Pius.
Jeanne Huston says
Basil was a truly amazing man. This earth has an empty spot where he stood. May the lord hold Babson and family tightly through this time.
Karen Losing says
Dear Babs and family, I am so sorry for your loss of Basil. He was truly a remarkable man, so kind and considerate of everyone. It just seems like he was forever young, always so active in everything he did. I got to know him at the college where I worked and also was a student of his in Composition and Mideast Culture. Everyone wanted to be in his Mideast Culture class. It was very interesting and informative and we got to sample their cuisine as well. He also was quite the soccer player and way back we used to duke it out on the soccer field. He sure had quick feet. No one was a stranger to Basil and I feel very blessed to have known him. He touched many lives and will be sorely missed. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.
Dena Lang says
I’m so very sorry for your loss. He was one of my most favorite instructors/teachers ever. What a good one we lost, but never forgotten.
Bob & Marilyn Thaden says
We always enjoyed the time we could spend as friends and acquaintances with Basil and Babs. He occasionally visited our church when Babs played the piano for us. As many have said, he was such a grace-filled and kind man, and very generous with his caring toward others.
Scott Engel says
I still use Basil as an example in my classes. We had great conversations about culture and life in general. One favorite story I have is when his VCR didn’t work so I came in, looked at the empty outlet and plugged it in! I was happy to help my friend. A friend he was, to everyone really. What a great man he was.
Scott Engel
Shannon Holmen says
So sad to hear of sweet Basil. He always smiled at people and had such a welcoming attitude. He will be missed by Miles City.
Jaid Beacham says
I knew Basil for a very short time, but i’ll say this; I never saw him without a smile on his face. Him and Babs are the IT couple, i’m not sure there’s a more excellent example on how to love one another. I’ll carry their love with me forever, and remember to never settle for less but always leap at the chance for more.
Jackie Stroh says
Babs and family so sad to see where Basil passed away. Condolences to you and your family sure miss seeing you both at the nursing home but with all the lockdowns that made it very hard for all of us. Better days ahead sincerely and thoughtfully Jackie
Lana and Bill Sweeney says
A good and gracious man who always made those around him better. Outstanding professor and good friend. Exuded positive energy, and always had a kind word for all. Tenacious competitor who let me win once in awhile in ping pong but never in tennis. He made the Miles City and the MCC communities so much richer, and will be dearly missed. Our most heartfelt condolences are sent to Babs and the entire Pius Clan. We hope that while you grieve this great loss you can also find time to celebrate a life so wonderfully lived. Much love and big hugs to all.
Diona Warn Austill says
So sorry to see this. Basil was my Composition instructor in 1979. I was just glad to pass as I was not a writer. His table tennis skills were also excellent as he tried to teach us in our spare time. A wonderful man.
Bobbi Neiffer Hanks says
Babs and family,
Sorry to hear of Basils passing. He was a great neighbor and always glad to see people and visit. You are in my thoughts. God bless!
Cathy Pyle says
Dearest Babs and family,
I am deeply sorry!! Basil was a very unique person, so much so i really cant put it all into words. I pray for you Babes, your kids & Kuomo for God to ease your pain!!
All my love, Cathy Pyle
Ronny Hafez says
Am so sorry to hear this. Basil was such a kind and generous friend. He visited me often, even got me food he cooked and medicine when I was sick.
I saw the father figure in him. Caring for his brother. Peace sign on the side of his house.
One love. Till we meet again، you’ll be in my heart oh friend
Linda Gray and Steve Behrendt says
Babs and family, we hold you in our hearts. Basil blazed like a sun in Miles City, bringing his warmth to all. He knew that our most important job is to be human for each other. I can never repay him for frequently visiting my dad, George “Scotty” Gray, when he was living at Holy Rosary Extended Care. My brother George and I, living in California and New Zealand, respectively, could not visit as often as we wished. Basil kept Dad connected to the community (especially the tennis crowd), watering that vital root of a person’s life. He connected all of us in Miles City to the wider world, deepening our understanding. A true humanist, he helped us all become more human by showing us how. He will shine on in our lives.
Dale Thomas Vaillancourt says
I never met Basil, but know his son, Shu, as an employee and a friend. Shu is one of the kindest, most hard-working and sincere men I know, and I am sure his father is a big part of that. Condolences to the Pius family and the Miles City community on the loss of a great man.
elizabeth (Lizo) kachadorian says
So sorry to hear about my cousin Wiska ( Alah manekhle ) god rest his soul. I am going to miss his letters he wild send me or a copy off a letter he wild send to another cousin to let us know about what’s happening with the family and children. I will miss his planning off family picnic reunions i wild be looking forward for those times.
You will be missed cousin you are with your loved ones give my mom a hug wen you meet her in haven
Love you
To cousin Babs and family so sorry for your lost god bless you all
Elizabeth ( lizo) Kachadorian Modesto ca.
Cherrie Beyer says
My prayers and thoughts to Basil’s family. As a student of his, I learned so much! He was one of my favorite instructors! This community will miss his absence immensely! Rest In Peace Basil.
Dan Miller says
Babs and family, so sorry to hear about Basil. When my family and I moved to Miles City in 1971 the Pius family were the first people we met. You have such a great family and I enjoyed growing up with Ben, Dan & Shumon all of you were such great friends and neighbors. I will miss coming to Miles City and seeing Basil. I am so thankful that when I was there in August that we briefly got to see Babs, Basil and Dan.
Basil was my favorite teacher when I went to MCC, he will be missed by all that were blessed to know him.
Frank Tooke says
Basil’s contributions to the community and education isre evidenced by the many posts included here. He was my first college English instructor and his guidance and counsel enabled me to succeed in undergrad school, a masters program and throughout my career. He was a quiet but stellar member of the community. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Jacob Yates says
Great man! I learned so much from how he acted, what he did and didn’t say. We could all do well with becoming a little more like Basil every day, as the world lost a good one. See you again soon, my friend.
John Benjamin says
Dear Babs and family, your loss is our family loss too. We all will miss Basil, a great man, a cousin, a family member and a friend. We never had a chance to visit you all in Miles city but we had the opportunity to meet you all in Turlock. We cherish our memories of Basil in Mawana Reunion, family reunion in Turlock, and all his family visitations. We will miss Basil hand written notes/letters with hand drawn pictures, photos and family news from Montana. A great man we already feel his loss and I am sure the same is felt by his family and friends. He has done great deeds and I am sure his legacy will continue through you, his children, grand children, also he has impacted the community at large. God Bless you all with respect and love of Jesus. Benjamin Family
Marta George says
My uncle was some one very special to me .He made me laugh and enjoy life ,give hope and a lot …I enjoyed his visit to Irak 1989 ,we attend together a class lecture in the same university we both had studied ..enjoyed drinking fresh juice together .Rest in Peace 🙏you are in my heart ♥️ For ever 😢🥲
Gail Krezelak says
Babs and family,
I am so sorry for the loss your spouse. My thoughts and prayers are you with all of you at this time.
Gail Krezelak
Sargon Fraidun Ibrahim says
Dearest Babs, Daniel, Shumon, Sarah, Samson and families. Cousin Wiska was one of a kind person who loved life, tremendously giving to family and others, a gifted sportsman enjoying soccer and tennis and had a passion for teaching and enriching the lives of his many many students over the many years that he was a teacher and a role model. Babs, I remember the time over forty years ago when you drive all the way from Montana to London Ontario Canada (in that special VW van) where Zaia and I lived and we spent a really memorable time together, culminating in a visit to the majestic Niagara Falls and continued your journey back east and then all the way back home. Wiska was such a gentle soul, easy to engage and socialize that everybody loved to be around him, revelling in his easy-going personality and wisdom. May his soul rest in eternal peace and may God grant you patience to live with his memories as you will definitely miss his presence. God bless you all. Cousin Sargon.
Nina Paulus says
Dear cousin Basil, I am very sad to hear about your death. I am so sorry for not seeing you enough, it was only one time we met when you came to California and we had a picnic in Turlock. All I remember I met a sweet cousin, full of life, happiness and pride about his extended family and cousins. I will keep your letters and photos you used to send me all the time and I go back to watch them from time to time in my album. God bless your soul in heaven, I will remember you always🙏🙏🙏😢
Syed says
My heartfelt Condolences to the grieving family. Mr Pius took care of me like one of his own kid when I was a lone foreign student at MCC. He taught me how to overcome several culture shocks. Basil & I played Tennis, Soccer and Table Tennis quite regularly.
RIP Mr Pius, you will be missed 🙏
John W Clark says
Sorry to hear this news. Basil was a very fine man and an excellent teacher. The world is a better place because he was here and what he did. My condolences to the family.