Basil, Age 2

It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of our dear friend and fish companion, Basil. He was loved by all, altough you could tell from his ebony skin that he was adopted. Basil died at home after suffering a brief illness (approx. 15 minutes). He was 2.5 years old.

Born in France, Basil spent the first weeks of his life in a crowded orphange in Providence, RI on the corner of Wickenden Street. He was quickly adopted and became roommate and best friends to 2 other goldfish named "Puppy" who suffered from a chronic identity crisis and Aquafresh (RIP 1/06-1/06). Puppy and Basil were nomadic fish, traveling from building to building throughout RISD campus, Basil's trademark bulging eyes taking in all of his surroundings. Basil recieved a purple heart in the Korean War and worked as an assistant in the Residence Life Office at the Rhode Island School of Design.After receiving his degree and working for many years at RISD, Basil retired to Grafton, MA to lead a simple country life outside of the city. He spent most of his days relaxing with Puppy.

Basil leaves behind Puppy, and his two mothers, Jasmin and Laura. A burial at sea is planned for early next week (well, he'll get there eventually). A plaque in his memory will be placed on frazier terrace along side Acetaminopehen "Ace" Worrick (5/06) and Little Dude Snyder-Dodge (3/07). In lieu of flowers, the family will be accepting donations : Sudden Aquatic Death Syndrome (SADS) Research Foundation, 8 Institute Road, North Grafton, MA 01536