Eddie Basha Jr.

Basha was born in Chandler, Arizona, where his father owned a grocery business. The Bashas were originally from the country of Lebanon, entering the United States by way of New York City. They moved from New York City to Arizona in 1910.[4] He graduated from Chandler High School and then obtained a degree in History at Stanford University.

Bashas' was founded by Eddie Basha Sr. and brother Ike Basha. Upon the death of Ike, Eddie Basha Sr. continued running Bashas'. Eddie Basha Jr. took full control of the family business upon the death of his father.[4] Beginning in 1968, Basha expanded the small company to a nationwide chain of 160 stores.[4]

Basha ran an unsuccessful campaign as the Democratic nominee against incumbent Arizona Governor Fife Symington in 1994. He was a supporter of many charitable and civic causes, particularly working with education and the poor in Arizona. He supported same-sex marriage during his gubernatorial campaign, years before it became an issue for contemporary society in the early 21st century.[5]

Basha was a member of the Roman Catholic Church.

He was a collector of Western art, and part of his collection was displayed in a Cowboy Artists of America exhibit in 2015 at the Scottsdale Museum of the West.[6]

Basha died on March 26, 2013 and is survived by his wife Nadine Mathis Basha, and sons Eddie III, Ike, Mike, David, Josh and Jeremy.[4]

"Make education your business, it will feed your future."