Robert Niles Bashaw, age 82, of Tampa, Florida, went to be with the Lord at 4:40 PM, Friday, August 18th, 2017. Born in Louisville, KY, he was the son of the late Rev. William Niles and Dorothy Miller Bashaw. Survivors include children: Laura (Barry) Smith, Rhonda (Tommy) Weaver, John Bashaw, Son-in-law: Jeff Seigel, Siblings: Wilbur Louis (Carolyn) Bashaw, Kenneth Lea Bashaw, Mary Jo Bashaw, grandchildren: Carey Weaver, Candy (Tyler) Seigel Church, Michael Seigel, Judah Smith, and Joy Seigel, 9 foster grandchildren, 15 foster great-grandchildren and 5 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his children: Robin Niles Bashaw and Jennifer Lynne Seigel, as well as grandchildren: Keenan Smith, Ashley Smith, Tarah Weaver, Victoria Weaver, Josiah Seigel. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, August 25, at the First Presbyterian Church in Seffner. Visitation with the family will be at 9:00 AM at the church.
Niles Bashaw graduated from Brandon High School in 1953 and from Florida State University in 1957 with a BS in chemistry. He attended Texas A&M University graduate school. Niles had a life-long passion for chemistry and science and worked as research scientist for Dow Chemical 16 years where he earned 16 US patents, including one for inventing sodium polyacrylate, a super absorbent substance used in diapers, fire prevention, and grow toys. He holds numerous foreign patents and wrote over 400 scientific publications. He was part owner of Iminac, Inc., and he owned his own lab, Innovative Applied Science, in later years and taught honors chemistry at Cambridge High School. Niles served for over 50 years in various capacities with the Boy Scouts of America and received the honor of Eagle Scout and the Silver Beaver award for lifetime achievement in scouting. He was very involved in the First Presbyterian church of Seffner, First Presbyterian church of Freeport, Texas, and most recently, Church of the Lakes in Lutz, serving as elder, Kindergarten Sunday school teacher, deacon, and choir member.
He was an avid bird watcher who travelled the world and participated in the annual Christmas bird counts in Texas and Florida. He served 7 years in the Army National Guard, was a master chess player, consummate story teller, and photographer who loved the beauty of God's creation.
Niles will be remembered for his love of the Lord and his family, as well as compassion for people from all walks of life.
Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care