Toledo, OH—The natural products industry has lost a beloved retailer and friend, Joseph M. Bassett, N.M.D., D.M., age 79.

Bassett and his wife Pat were the owners and operators of Bassett’s Health Food Stores, which was founded in 1969 and now has two locations. “From their humble beginnings in a 350 square foot shop, to the 4,000 square feet of store space they oversee today, Joe and Pat have become Toledo’s go-to team for a healthier lifestyle,” according to the store’s Web site.

Bassett was a man who fully believed in the benefits of natural products. A Korean War veteran, he was trained and certified in polarity, iridology, massage therapy, reiki, applied kinesiology, nutritional education and more. He helped spread his knowledge as a talk show host of “Nutritionally Speaking."

Bassett was also active in many industry groups, including the Mid-American Health Association (as president), Citizens for Health (as chairman) and National Health Freedom (as a board member). He also was instrumental in the writing and passing of the Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act of 1994.

Stated Howard Wainer, president of WholeFoods Magazine, "Joe was always willing to help, and he helped me many times throughout the years. It is a great loss for humanity. He was an excellent guy."

Published in WholeFoods Magazine, August 2012 (online 6/8/12)