Obituary of Lyle Bastian

Lyle Millard Bastian, aged 90, of Montour Falls, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, March 28, surrounded by family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Janice (Crane), his son Raymond (Katy) of Cape Coral, Florida and his daughter Shirley (Timothy Barrett) of Odessa, New York. He also leaves behind several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Millard and Harriet (Woodard) Bastian, his first wife Irene (Bourdon) and his daughter Annette. Lyle was a combat veteran of WWII, serving with the 21st Marines, 3rd Division, 1st Battalion, Company B as a PFC rifleman. He fought on Guam, Guadalcanal and Bouganville. Lyle loved the Marine Crop his entire life and was a testament to the phrase "Once a Marine, Always a Marine". "Semper Fi-Do or Die". After the war, Lyle attended barber school in Boston, Massachusetts returning to Montour Falls to join his father in business. The Bastian Barber Shop was a mainstay in town for over 100 years. In later years it became a place for fellow Marines, other veterans and friends to meet and share stories and laughter. In addition to barbering, Lyle and his family opened and operated the Snack Bar in Montour Falls for a number of years. It was a popular place for young people to gather. Lyle's second love was the Montour Falls Fire Department, the "Swamp Stompers". He joined in 1947 and was a life member. He was one of the driving forces for establishing the Montour Fireman's Carnival, which is still a major event to this day. Lyle was an avid tennis player, winning many tournaments. He enjoyed basketball, local racing events and would travel to several local communities to partake in their activities. He also enjoyed taking his family on vacation to Hampton Beach in New Hampshire. Exercise was important to Lyle. People will recall Jan and Lyle walking the streets and trails around town in the evenings. Funeral arrangements are being made by the Vedder and Scott Funeral Home in Montour Falls. Visitation will be Sunday, April 1st from 1:00 - 3:00 PM with a service at the funeral home Monday, April 2nd beginning at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at the Montour Cemetery with full military honors. Subsequently, there will be a reception for friends of the family at the Montour Falls Firehouse. Lyle was very much a people person and an icon of this community. He will be greatly missed by all.