Chairman and CEO of Bashas’, Inc., Eddie Basha, died this week at age 75. A cause of death has not been disclosed, but the supermarket magnate had reportedly been in failing health for some time.
Basha’s father, Eddie Basha Sr., and uncle Ike Basha founded Bashas’ Supermarkets. The first store was opened in Chandler in 1932.
Basha ran an unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign as a democrat in 1994 against then incumbent Fife Syminton.
Statement from Governor Jan Brewer
The Passing of Eddie Basha
“It was with sadness that I learned this afternoon of the passing of Eddie Basha. I had known and worked with him throughout my 30 years in public service. Regardless of the issue – and we did not always come down on the same side – I invariably found him to be genuine in his beliefs and a gentleman in his actions.
“Eddie was Arizona through and through. Born of a pioneer Arizona family, Eddie grew to become one of our state’s giants in business, politics and community service. He loved Arizona, and it showed in his decades of devoted work on behalf of Arizona schools and students.
“Eddie Basha showed all that could – and still can – be accomplished in Arizona with hard work, dedication to community and love of family. That may be his most lasting legacy, and it’s one for which his family can be proud.”
Statement from Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton
Mayor Greg Stanton put out the following statement on the sad news of the passing of Eddie Basha: Eddie Basha was a giant in our state’s history. Not only as a business leader but as a passionate advocate for education. He served selflessly on the Chandler Unified School District Board, Arizona Board of Education and the Arizona Board of Regents. It is because of Eddie and Nadine we have First Things First, giving thousand of Arizona children a chance for early childhood education. He will be missed, but never forgotten.