euskalkultura.eus

14/09/2017 - Bakersfield, EEUU

(obituario publicado el 19 de septiembre de 2017 en Bakersfield Californian, Legacy.com)

November 20, 1925 - September 14, 2017

Felix is survived by his devoted wife Maria, children Javier (Benita), Felix (Theresa), grandchildren Alexander, Amaia, Maxwell, Dominic, all of Bakersfield CA, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews from both the United States and Spain. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bonifacio Lesaca, Maria Armostegui, brothers Tiburcio, Narciso, Paulino, all of Navarra Spain.

Felix was born on November 20, 1925 in Adoain, Navarra Spain and came to America in 1955 to work as a sheepherder in Tracy, CA. After fulfilling his contract as a sheepherder, he found employment as a foreman for a fruit tree farming company. In 1960, after faithfully working for his employers here in the states, Felix was offered the opportunity to become a naturalized US citizen. Although his dream was to return to Spain, he knew that the chance to become a US citizen was not something to pass up. With friends in tow, he made the trip to San Francisco and the process began. Within a year, it became official. Felix was an American. In 1961, after five years of exchanging letters with his fiance back in Spain, he returned to his homeland to marry his dear Maria, and soon the young couple determined that the US was where they wanted to begin their new life together. Recalling fond memories of train rides from Stockton to Kern County to visit close relatives, Felix brought his young bride to Bakersfield, where the two were gladly welcomed by his aunt, uncle, and two cousins. These treasured family members would prove to be instrumental in teaching Felix and Maria the American way of life.

Felix's reputation as a hard-working husband and father continued throughout his life. From 1962 to 1973, he served as a cowboy for the Kern County Land Company Feedlot. From 1974 until his retirement in 2007, he proudly held the title of self-employed gardener of Felix Lesaca Gardening Service. Having his own business allowed him to often bring along his two sons where he would go on to instill the same work ethic within them.

Felix will be dearly missed by his family, and as an honorary member of the Kern County Basque Club, he will be missed by his many friends as well.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, September 20, from 6 to 8 pm at Greenlawn Southwest Funeral Chapel. A Rosary and funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 am, Thursday, September 21, at St. Phillip the Apostle Church. Graveside services will follow at Greenlawn Southwest Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Alexander Lesaca, Maxwell Lesaca, Dominic Lesaca, Felix Echeverria, Johnny Echeverria, J. Battita Reca, Jean Pierre Etchechury, John Membrede.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Kern County Basque Club Scholarship Fund at PO Box 416, Bakersfield, CA 93302.