Martin William Etcheverry

1939 - 2018

Martin William Etcheverry
January 11, 1939 - June 7, 2018

The Rosary and Mass of Christian burial for Martin William Etcheverry (79), who passed on June 7, 2018, will be held Wednesday, June 13 at 10:00 AM at St. Francis Parish- 900 H Street. Graveside services will follow at Greenlawn Cemetary-3700 River Blvd.

Marty, also known as Dad, Papa, Uncle and friend was born to Martin and June Etcheverry on January 11, 1939 in Bakersfield, CA. Marty was premature at birth which led to paralysis on his right side. Fortunately for him and his Basque heritage, his grandmother Josephine Etcheverry used cognac brought from the Basque Country, eventually bringing the right side back to life. Marty lived a life of strong Basque heritage and faith. He attended grammar school at Our Lady of Guadalupe until graduation in 1954 and graduated from Garces Memorial High School in 1958 where he met his high school sweetheart, Fay Raymond.

Marty married his sweetheart on August 4, 1961 and one year later welcomed their son, Martin Jr. Marty and Fay later welcomed daughters Lori and Tonya. Marty took pride in his family, he especially loved being a part of his nieces lives; Michelle, Monica, and Susan.

Marty had great talent and work ethic.  After working for Ernst Bros at 18, his father, Martin and two brothers, Rick and Ray, acquired the business by renaming it Ernst Mfg in 1983.

Marty loved to hunt, fish and spend time with his grandchildren. He spent many summers and spring breaks in Sunriver, Oregon doing what he loved most: fishing, watching his kids ski, telling stories of his many hunting trips with the Indians, and making memories with his family.

Marty could be found most days eating lunch at his favorite Basque restaurants with his best friends sharing a bottle of wine.

In his lifetime, he had many accomplishments. Marty was an honorary life member at the Kern County Basque Club, a life member of the NRA, and involved in the Foot Printers Association.

He is preceded in death by his parents Martin and June, brother Rick Etcheverry and sister-in-law Kay Etcheverry. He is survived by his wife of 56 1/2 Years Fay Etcheverry, brother Ray Etcheverry (Sanna), children Marty Etcheverry (Lori), daughters Lori Etcheverry (Mike Reede) Tonya Dewar (Mike); grandchildren Martin Etcheverry, Melissa Etcheverry, Matthew Tasos (Chelsea), Brandon Tasos (Amber), Morgan Tasos, Marley Dewar and Dax Dewar; as well as great grandson Arthur Tasos.

Casketbearers will be Matthew Tasos, Brandon Tasos, Martin Etcheverry, Michael Hardt, Steven Hardt, Jack Tobias, Taite Hoover, Robby Etcheverry, Tim Hardt, Kevin Hoover, Jeremy Tobias, Ray Bachoc, Benji Arduain, Bernard Othart, and Tom Finch.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kern County Basque Club or the American Heart Association.