euskalkultura.eus

08/08/2023 - Los Altos, California, USA

Charles Moustirats, diagnosed with congestive heart failure in 2019, passed away peacefully at home in Los Altos, CA on August 23rd, 2023 at 93. A private funeral has been held. He was born in the Basque village of Meharin, France on January 15, 1930 to Francois and Marie Moustirats. He immigrated to the USA before his 21st birthday to join a sheep camp in Bakersfield, CA.

He married his childhood sweetheart, Lucie, in San Francisco in 1955. Ultimately, he sponsored 3 brothers and 1 sister. After owning and operating a gardening business in San Francisco, a Motel in Morgan Hill, an orchard and old growth redwood forest in Santa Cruz and rental real estate in San Francisco, Lake Tahoe and Mountain View, Charles and Lucie retired in Los Altos. Charles was an avid gardener, hunter, beekeeper, lumberjack, fisherman, singer and mushroom forager. He was admired for his kindness, integrity, wisdom, work ethic, generosity and poetry writing.

He was a founding member of the Basque Cultural Center in South San Francisco in 1981. We will remember him for his deep love of family, devotion and loyalty to his wife of 68 years, quick wit, unwavering faith, strong business acumen and appreciation for nature.

He is survived by his daughters Anne-Marie Valero and Isabelle Echeverria (Felix) as well as his 5 grandchildren, Luke, Elena (David), and Rachelle Echeverria and Gianna and Gabriel Valero, as well as his sisters Bernadette Joanteguy in France, Marie-Therese Berhan, Boise, ID, his brother Jean-Baptiste Moustirats (Raymonde) of Redwood City and many nieces and nephews.

Charles passed away with no regrets and great pride for the family he led, loved and provided for.

Memorial contributions can be made to:
The American Red Cross
PO Box 37839
Boone, IA 50037-0839

(published by San Francisco Chronicle, Legacy.com on Sep. 11, 2023)

Goian Bego (GB) - May Rest in Peace