euskalkultura.eus

2016/09/27 - Bakersfield, AEB

Gracian was the second of six children of early Twentieth Century Basque immigrants Gualberto and Manuela Etchenique Errea.

He was born in a Kern County Land Company pump house near Snow and Calloway Roads and was named after his Godfather, Gracian Etchechury.

He lived most of his pre-adult life on the family farm on South H Street and graduated from Fairview School in 1934 and Kern County Union High School (BHS) in 1938.

Upon graduation he began his working career that spanned over 60 years. He was employed by Richfield Paleontology, Gulf Oil and Chevron Oil. After retirement, he worked with Morosa Wool. In addition to several second jobs he farmed and had sheep with his brother Martin in the Antelope Valley.

Gracian was preceded in death by his wife Virginia, his father and mother and brothers Martin, Julian ("Frenchy"), and John.

His survivors include sisters Mary Errea, Helen Meske, and sister-in-law Barbara Errea. In addition, he leaves his daughter Judy and husband Steve Bass along with their sons Greg, Austin, Texas and Brian and his wife Allison, London, England plus numerous nephews and nieces. Family was important to Gracian but no one was more important than his grandsons Greg and Brian. The world revolved around them and their activities and accomplishments.

Gracian had a long and eventful life. At the time of his passing he was the oldest male Basque in Kern County. He was an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Kern County Basque Club.

There will be no public services and, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a contribution in his name be made to the Kern County Basque Club's Scholarship Fund or to a charity of your choice  .

(Published in Bakersfield Californian on Oct. 1, 2016)