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2017/11/28 - Stockton, CA, AEB

(2017ko abenduaren 2-4an The Record, Legacy.com-en argitara emaniko hil-oharra)

Nov. 28, 1918 - Nov. 28, 2017

Raymond Etcheverry passed away in Stockton on November 28, 2017.

Born in Price, Utah, He grew up in Western Colorado where as a youth he herded sheep to help support his family.

As a teenager, he met the love of his life, Orien Herwick. They later married and were devoted to each other for over 72 years.

Raymond came to California in 1940, where he helped manufacture airplanes for the war effort, served in the Army Air Corps, and went to school at night to become a licensed airplane mechanic. After moving to Stockton, as a civilian, he oversaw the helicopter division of the 6th Army, worked as a helicopter and airplane mechanic for several aviation companies, and served as a member of the Federal Aviation Safety Board. Eventually with a partner, Alvie Floyd, he started Big Valley Aviation which he operated until he retired at age 86. Over the years, Raymond developed a number of improvements for the helicopter and gained national as well as world-wide recognition for his contributions to the aviation industry.

Among his numerous awards, was the FAA's Charles Taylor Award for over 50 years of aviation safety and the International Helicopter Assn.-Mechanic of the Year. He loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting and taking drives on unexplored mountain back roads were he would proclaim, "You are never lost if you don't care where you are going!" He regularly supported the community in a variety of ways, including the restoration of a helicopter he donated for children to enjoy at the Children's Museum of Stockton. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Orien, brothers John Etcheverry (Mary), Paul Etcheverry (Velma), Thomas Etcheverry, Fred Etcheverry and August Etcheverry(Renae), beloved brother-in-law, "Chuck" Hill and son-in-law Robert Laughlin. He was devoted to his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his children, Carol Paras (Gus), Jean Etcheverry, and Mary Laughlin, his Sisters Jeanne Hill and Adele Rickstrew (Vernon), sister-in-laws Diana Etcheverry & Alilou Etcheverry and his brother, Roland Etcheverry.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Emergency Food Bank, 7 W. Scotts Ave., Stockton, CA 95203 or Alzheimer's Association  of Northern California, 2290 N. First St. Ste-101, San Jose, CA 95131-2014 or your favorite charity.