- Date Of Birth: March 22, 1930
- Date Of Death: July 6, 2017
- State: Idaho
Basilio Yzaguirre y Zuazo of Boise, Idaho unexpectedly passed away; July 6, 2017 at his home. It happened far too soon and far too quickly.
He was born on March 22, 1930 – many great and wonderful years ago in Forua, Spain. He was one (1) of eight (8) kids and as you can imagine, never a dull moment. In his forming years; he established a hardworking and passionate foundation, for what became his legacy and who we loved.
He immigrated from Spain to the U.S. in the mid 1950’s and became a U.S. citizen on May 24, 1960, one of the proudest moments in his life. After working in the U.S. for a period-of-time, he went back to Euskadi, where he met his partner for life – his wife to be Eufemia. They were married in 1961, and there shortly after, they moved from Spain to Burns, Oregon. America brought many challenges, but he enjoyed the freedom and the opportunity he so desired.
They started a family after moving to America; with the birth of their one and only son; Roberto. They treasured their time in Burns and had numerous friends. In 1966, they moved to Boise, Idaho, where he lived a full and inspiring life.
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My father enjoyed many great things and had a passion for them all. He loved music – especially the accordion), gardening – especially growing those amazing green peppers (which we will miss), he also enjoyed playing cards with friends & family at home, at friends’ home, but especially at the Basque Center. He really enjoyed playing Mus and Brisca Sunday nights at the Basque Center. Many there enjoyed a conversation or two with him. He was well known for his B.S. skills, along with tapping his index finger (nub) to any and music around him. His smile and laugh was always contagious. Both will be greatly missed.
His working life began in Spain; however, most of his adventures came while in the U.S. To name just a few, he began working as a Sheepherder in Washington State in the late 50’s to early 60’s. Although it had many challenges, it was clear, it was going to be short lived. Thereafter, he moved to Burns, Oregon and started working for Hines Lumber Company through most of the 60’s. While at Hines Lumber; he encountered a table saw that taught him a lesson about how sharp those blades really are, which led to losing four of his fingers on his right hand – later to be known as some incredibly strong nubs. Trust me, they were tough as nails. Late in the 60’s, the family moved to Boise, Idaho. While in Boise, he worked for Guerdon Trailers, Boise State University, and Hewlett Packard – where he retired from in the 90’s. Each of the opportunities in the U.S. he cherished, and thoroughly enjoyed the work, but mostly enjoyed those he worked with.
Retirement for him didn’t mean resting, but starting a new chapter in his life. His new chapter was focusing on taking care of his wife, yard, garden, going to his favorite grocery store, and lumber yard – mostly to give employees there a bad time. It also brought him time to tinker around with his MANY projects.
He had many friends and belonged to the local Basque community. He enjoyed the dinners and all the activities associated with it. It always gave him a piece of the homeland.
Although many perceived him as being stubborn and hard headed; He provided for his family by working tirelessly. Inside that rough exterior, he had an amazing heart. Not only towards his wife, throughout their lives together, but showed that deep love and compassion towards her the last few weeks of her life. To my kids & his Grandkids, he loved you so much, you completed his life.
He will be missed by all that knew him, but will mostly be missed by his family. Agur, aita, eta Itxitxa – maite zaitut. You and mom are finally back together again.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Eufemia, and is survived by his son & daughter-in-law, Roberto & Renae, two incredible grandkids he so loved, Braun (Amy) and Brandi, his brother Claudio (Jesusa), and sister Jesusa.
