euskalkultura.eus

2009/12/15 - Reno, Nevada, USA

LeRoy Arrascada, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully at home on the morning of December 15, 2009. LeRoy was born in Elko on August 19, 1936 to Ignacio "Enos" Arrascada and Maxine Cook. He graduated from Elko High School in 1954. LeRoy attended the University of Nevada, Reno, and graduated in 1959. While at the University, he was a member of the Lambda Chi fraternity and was always involved in University life and student government. LeRoy successfully ran for University Senate defeating future Governor and United States Senator Richard Bryan. LeRoy is the only person to ever defeat Richard Bryan in any campaign. Throughout his life, LeRoy was always a strong supporter of the University.

After college, LeRoy enlisted in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged. LeRoy then entered law school at the American University School of Law in Washington D.C. and graduated in 1964. While attending law school, LeRoy worked in a patronage position operating an elevator in the United States Capital. In the elevator, he met the love of his life and best friend, Ellen Sullivan Arrascada, who was a Congressional Secretary. LeRoy and Ellen were married on April 4, 1964 and moved to Reno that same year.

LeRoy began practicing law in Reno in 1964. Throughout his career, he was considered one of the true gentlemen of the legal profession. He loved the practice of law. He was very proud to be law partners with his son John and daughter Christine. He never retired, coming in to work up until the day before he passed away.

LeRoy was extremely involved in the community. He was a founder and first President of the Reno Zazpiak Basque Club, former President of the Washoe County Bar Association, one of the founding members of the Nevada Trial Lawyers Association, former President and member of the Reno Host Lions Club, former Chairman of the Washoe County Democratic Party, former President of the Reno Aquatic Club, a member of the Humboldt Hunt Club, the Prospectors Club, the Gold and Silver coffee group and the Nevada Woodchucks. LeRoy was a third generation Basque Nevadan. He loved his State and fishing and hunting throughout Northern Nevada.

LeRoy was most proud of his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Ellen, daughter, Mary Ellen Arrascada (Matt Zier), son, John LeRoy Arrascada (Betsabeth), Joseph C. Arrascada, and Christine A. Aramini (John), his grandchildren, Elena, Amaya, and Angelo LeRoy Aramini and Sabrina Arrascada and his mother, Maxine Cook.

There will be a viewing on Friday, December 18, 2009 from 6 to 7 p.m., with a Recitation of the Rosary to follow at 7 p.m., at Walton's Sierra Chapel, 875 West Second Street, Reno. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 19 at 11 a.m. at St. Therese Church of the Little Flower, corner of E. Plumb Lane and Kietzke. Interment will be held at Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in LeRoy's name to the Nevada Woodchucks at 4353 Bareback Court, Sparks, NV 89436.