BASHUR, REGINALD GEORGE (1952 ~ 2012). The following is an obituary for Reginald "Reggie" Bashur. Bashur was approvedd for burial at the Texass State Cemetery by the Cemetery Committee. The obituary was provided by Weed, Corley, Fish Funeral Home of Austin.

Beloved husband, father, son, uncle and friend, Reggie Bashur passed from this life on February 25, 2012, with his family by his side. Born in Brooklyn, New York on April 19, 1952, Reginald G. Bashur was the only child of Ruth and Reginald George Bashur.

For nearly 30 years, Reggie's extraordinary abilities as a political and communications strategist placed him in the thick of every major political issue in Texas. He was a friend and adviser to many of the most prominent figures guiding public policy in the state, including former Governors Bill Clements and George W. Bush, Governor Rick Perry, Lt. Governor David Dewhurst and Comptroller Susan Combs. A dynamic, focused and honorable man, Reggie was a trusted ally of policy makers and respected for his integrity from newsrooms to corporate offices to the halls of the Texas Capitol.

Reggie's passion for U.S. history led to two degrees in history—a bachelor's from Adelphi University and a master's from Villanova University. He also earned a master's degree in journalism from Ohio State University.

After graduation, Reggie worked as a reporter for Dix Newspapers of Ohio, and then as press secretary for the Ohio Republican Senate Caucus. He also worked as an account executive for Hill & Knowlton, Inc. He later joined the Washington, D.C. staff of then-U.S. Senator Gordon Humphrey, R-N.H., as press secretary and policy director, and also worked on Humphrey's successful re-election campaign.

While in Washington, Reggie met the love of his life, Jan Powell. After marriage, the couple settled in Jan's home state of Texas. Reggie didn't simply move to Texas; he loved the state and its history.

In 1985, Reggie was selected by Governor Clements to serve as press secretary for his re-election campaign. He served as press secretary until mid-1989 during Clements' second administration.

With a quick wit and an uncanny ability to assess political climates, Reggie was sought after by political candidates and private sector clients. The highlights of his career are numerous: during the 1988 presidential campaign, Reggie served as Texas communications director for Vice President George H. W. Bush. In 1990, he managed the Kent Hance gubernatorial campaign. During the 1990 general election, he was communications consultant for the Clayton Williams gubernatorial campaign. From 1991 to 1993, Reggie worked for Systech Environmental Corporation, a subsidiary of Lafarge Corporation.

In 1994, he served as a consultant to the gubernatorial campaign of George W. Bush, who subsequently asked him to join the new administration in 1995 as a deputy executive assistant. In that role, Reggie helped navigate the personalities, politics and intricacies of Texas public policy for Governor Bush. Reggie was a consultant for U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison in her 2000 re-election, and he served as an advisor to the political campaigns of Governor Perry, Lt. Governor Dewhurst and former Ambassador Tony Garza. Reggie was a longtime confidant and consultant to Comptroller Combs. And for a generation of political journalists in Texas, he was an honest source of information whose word and integrity were impeccable. Reggie's political thought processes and philosophy shaped the policies of numerous private sector clients, and he enjoyed a successful career as a government relations and communications consultant for major corporations and trade associations for many years.

Reggie was an usher and a longtime member of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd.

Above all, Reggie loved Jan and his children. When his first son was born, he told a friend, "This is what it's all about."

Reggie is survived by his wife of 26 years, Jan; children Bryan, Will and Kathleen; sisters-in-law, Joan Powell of Austin and Jeannine Scanlan and her husband, Rocky of Katy; a niece and nephew; and numerous cousins, aunts and uncles. He was predeceased by his mother and father.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Monday, February 27, 2012, at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78705. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 3201 Windsor Road, Austin, TX 78703. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall. Private burial will be in the Texas State Cemetery. The family offers heartfelt gratitude to family and Reggie's many friends for their support and kindness, and to the staff at MD Anderson Cancer Center for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486, noting "Dr. Raymond Sawaya" in the check's memo section.