ALEXANDER PETE' ECHEITA

Alexander P. Echeita 1927 - 2010 Alexander P. Echeita passed away Friday, April 9, 2010 at his home after a short illness. Alex was born in 1927 to Pedro and Josefa Lenis Echeita in La Grande, OR. At age four, the family moved back to his parent's hometown of Garay, Spain where he was educated. He took a wild excursion at age 19; by getting on a ship and coming to the US, much to his parent's dismay. He didn't speak any English and only knew his Uncle's name who was meeting him at the station in New York. He traveled all the way to Oregon by train with the help of many friendly people who showed him where to buy ham sandwiches and how to board his next train. In Idaho, he worked as a sheepherder and for Morrison Knutsen before the US Army needed his services in the Korean War. He served in Japan and Korea and was discharged in 1952 as a First Sgt. Dad married our Mother, Georgia in 1953 after a typical short Basque romance. Together they had six children. Michael (Tona) Echeita, Tony (Darla) Echeita, Patty (Bob) Lyman, Cathy (Bruce) Cooper, Richard (Carrie) Echeita and Delphina Jevnager. Dad was a meat cutter by trade most of his life. He worked for many years in Boise for Swift Co. Then in 1967, he moved his family to Gooding, to work for Blincoe. Alex spent many great years in Gooding, making many friends. He was instrumental in forming the first Basque Association which still thrives in Gooding. Dad came to Filer in 2002 to be closer to his kids. While in Filer, he had a passion for gardening, He turned a rock pile into a flourishing vegetable and fruit garden; Always planting by the moons just like his mother did. Dad is preceded in death by his Mother, Father and son, Richard. He is survived by his remaining 5 children, 10 Grandchildren, and too many great grandkids to count. There will be a celebration of Dad's life at the Gooding Basque Cultural Center in Gooding on Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 6:00 P.M. Please come visit with the family. Those wishing to share condolences for Alex may do so at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home of Twin Falls, Idaho.