Raymond Gracien Bachoc

1950 - 2018

Raymond Gracien Bachoc
January 12, 1950 - July 26, 2018

Raymond Bachoc of Bakersfield, California passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and daughters on July 26th, 2018.

Raymond was born in Upland, California on January 12, 1950 to Henry and Noelie Bachoc, who immigrated from Irissarry, France. Spending his early years, in Chino, California on the family's dairy farm with his two sisters, Isabelle and Gracie, and brother, Pierre, he developed a strong work ethic and passion for agriculture. He graduated in 1968 from Chino High School and not only excelled scholastically, but was a star athlete, earning All League in football and was voted Most Athletic of his senior class. He went on to attend Cal Poly Pomona and graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business. During his college career, Ray joined the National Guard Reserves from 1968-1974.

In 1973, he married the love of his life, Patricia Webre. The couple moved to Fresno, California where Ray began his career as a young Agricultural Field Officer for Crocker Bank. Over the next 45 years, they centered their marriage on faith, family & community. Together the couple had three daughters, Colette, Michelle and Renee. In 1983 they established their livelihood in Bakersfield, California, where he worked for Wells Fargo Bank as a Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager until his retirement. In his banking career, Ray developed many friendships with his dairy and sheep customers, which he treasured throughout his lifetime.

Ray loved his Basque culture and was an active member of the Chino, Fresno & Kern County Basque Clubs. He was a talented Basque dancer, helped start the Fresno Basque Club, played Mus (Basque card game), enjoyed all of the festivals, and loved visiting his favorite Basque restaurants.

Ray took pride in his family and cherished the many memories made with his wife, daughters, son-in-laws, Andy, Todd, and Frankie and eight grandchildren, Drew, Elise, Mikel, Elena, Emelia, Evalene, Marcos & Adrian. He enjoyed many trips to his mountain cabin in Twin Lakes, California, spending time on his boat, fishing, hiking and BBQing. Ray was an expert on the BBQ and loved sharing his love of wine and good food with all of his family and friends.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents Henry and Noelie Bachoc and brother-in-law Martin Lassa. He is survived by his wife Patricia, sister Isabelle Lassa, brother Pierre Bachoc (Theresa), sister Gracie Goyenetche (Albert), daughters Colette Iturriria (Andy), Michelle Ellis (Todd), Renee Iturriria (Frankie), grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Casketbearers will be Michael Bidart, J.B. Bidegaray, Bernard Arduain, Albert Chanchorena, Gilbert Ansolabehere, and Bernard Othart.

The Family would like to thank Dr. Vinh-Linh Nguyen and the staff at Bakersfield Hematoloy Oncology for their excellent care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either the Kern County Basque Club or the MDS Foundation (mds-foundation.org). Our hope is that there will be new developments in the field of the rare blood disease, Myelodysplastic Syndrome.

As a celebration of a life well lived, a Rosary and Mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday, August 2nd at St. Francis Catholic Church, 900 H Street, Bakersfield, California at 9:30 am.