euskalkultura.eus

08/10/2024 - Boise, Idaho, USA

Words by NABO president Jean Flesher:

A good friend of the Basque community of Salt Lake City, Utah, Elko, Nevada, and Boise, Idaho has left us. I personally have great memories of Sam and Kathy Alacano and personally have witnessed their generosity with several Basque clubs. Our deepest condolences to the family, may he rest in peace. Thanks for sharing the news Carolyn Aguirre.

Obituary:

A remarkable husband, father, and grandfather left us unexpectedly to reunite with the love of his life on August 10, 2024.

Sam was born on September 7, 1938, in Elko, Nevada, and was the son of his two loving parents, Luciano and Concha (Odiaga) Alacano. His parents were immigrants from Gernika and Lekeitio, found within the Basque country of Spain, who separately traveled to the U.S. to improve their lives post-Spanish Civil War. They met in Elko, married, and began their family's American journey in a sheep wagon, where Sam and his brother Louie were raised until the age of five.

Sam was raised to work hard and play hard he played basketball throughout his youth and early adulthood, all while working multiple jobs. From the beginning, he had an innate drive the most hardworking, ambitious, independent, and dedicated man most people knew. Sam proved this very young when he ran paper routes and worked at his local drugstore and Slim Olsen Truck Stop in Elko.

After saving enough funds, he became an entrepreneur for the first time when he purchased the local Shell service station. Sam sold it a year later and bought an up-and-coming fast-food franchise called Article Circle. He sought further ownership and opportunity, continuing more Article Circle franchises across Nevada and expanding further into Oregon, which is when he met his soulmate, Kathy.

They married on May 14, 1966, in Portland, Oregon, and began their family, having three boys, Zane, Lance, and Lorne. Sam and Kathy moved the family to the suburbs of Salt Lake City in 1971 so that Sam could better lead and operate the Article Circle corporation. Monica, Sam and Kathy's daughter, was shortly born after that in 1975, making their family complete.

The family started spending their summers outside SLC when Sam discovered McCall, Idaho, alongside other Basque friends in the area. McCall quickly became the family's favorite place and forever cherished home to this day. Sam, being the smart self-starter he is, embarked on a new business venture in 1977 and launched Minute Lube. He ran both companies very successfully, becoming a trailblazer in the fast-food franchise and oil industries and making an incredible impact not only in the Salt Lake community but also across Nevada and the Pacific Northwest. He lived the true American Dream. Sam built both companies to reach their highest potential and decided it was time to sell them to Quaker State Oil Co. in 1985.

The Alacano family headed to the sunshine in Indian Wells, CA, where Sam and Kathy retired to enjoy all the desert had to offer while still heading back to McCall during the heat of the summer. They thrived in the Coachella Valley, where they hiked together, and Sam played golf frequently with his sons at Indian Wells Country Club, where he made some of his greatest friends. During their retirement, Sam and Kathy traveled the world for numerous years, visiting almost every continent across the globe, and did most of it by hiking.

They both grew strong passions for seeing the world and immersing themselves in all different cultures, and the rest of the family loved it when they returned with countless extraordinary stories from their travels. His most beloved trips were back to his family's homeland, the Basque country. He maintained his close relationships with his extended family, such as his cousin Ines and her children, and continued to strengthen them throughout his entire life.

Sam was a proud Basque man, who deeply honored his heritage and instilled the importance of his roots in his next generation. He continued to extend his Basque ties in Boise, due to its prominent Basque community, which was one of the major reasons why he decided to spend the last 13 years in Southeast Boise. Sam appreciated the simplicity Boise brought him and Kathy in their later years following their busy and thrilling years prior.

Nevertheless, Sam's life with Kathy was a true adventure - filled with unique and unforgettable memories, whether they were at home or around the world, and he loved every second with her.

However, their favorite times were spent with their children and grandchildren. Sam was the ultimate family man and patriarch, providing each child and grandchild with immense opportunity, for which they are forever grateful. Whether it was a cross-country trip to bring everyone closer together or helping further a grandchild's education, he always put his family first. Although he was autonomous until the day he left us, he loved spending quality time with his people and frankly had the biggest heart.

He lived his life exactly the way he wanted and on his own terms, and he did so by supporting his family and loved ones every day. His wit and stubbornness never ceased to make those around him laugh since he never took life too seriously and "kept on truckin'" no matter what each day brought.

Not only was his lifelong strength, resilience, and grit so commendable, but also his genuine compassion and generosity towards most he encountered. He was and will always be the family's beacon and most prominent role model whose life lessons will resonate infinitely. There are no words to describe the significant mark he left on his family's and friends' lives and how tremendously he will be missed. His inspiring spirit and exceptional legacy will live on forever. Peace has been bestowed upon him, knowing that he now rests beside the light of his life.

He is survived by his dog Boo Boo III. Other survivors include his son Zane Alacano of Elko, NV, and his children Christopher and Courtney; his son Lance Alacano of Newport Beach, CA, and his wife Lish and their children Sydney, Nicholas, and Cade; his granddaughter Callie Alacano of Battleground, WA; and his daughter Monica Sorensen of Boise, ID, along with her husband Dean and their children Blake, Samantha, and Hunter. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes you to donate to the Basque Center of Boise, ID.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

(published by Idaho Statesman, Legacy.com from Aug. 22 to Aug. 25, 2024)

Goian Bego (GB) - May Rest in Peace