RAMON ECHEVESTE

Ramon Echeveste of Firebaugh, CA, passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, October 18, 2015. Ramon Echeveste was born in Santesteban, Navarra, Spain on June 10, 1932. At 20 years old, he immigrated to the United States to work as a shepherd with the intent to return home upon completion of his initial five year contract. That five year commitment would turn into 63 years of raising some of California's finest lambs in Firebaugh, CA. His passion for what he did meant that although he worked from sun up to sun down, in the harshest of conditions, he never really worked a day in his life. He returned to Spain after 14 years of working in the United States, and married, Cecilia Echeveste, his wife of 49 years. They had two children, Beatriz and Roman. His purpose in life and what brought him the most joy was knowing his sheep and his family were well taken care of and that his work would pave a way for those that came after him to pursue and find their own success. If you ever spent more than five minutes with him, you would have surely heard his infamous "Two Penny Story." His face lit up every time he talked about how he arrived in this country with two pennies in his pocket and with nothing but hard work and dedication was able to live the "American Dream" of becoming financially independent as a self-employed business man. He was a risk taker and unafraid to step out of his comfort zone to pursue new and exciting ventures which led him to opening a Basque Restaurant, farming, and becoming a real estate investor. Ramon was preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Francisca; brother Bautista; and sister Carmen of Santesteban, Navarra, Spain. He is survived by his siblings, Pilar of Santander, Virtudes of Santesteban, and Juan Jose of Madera, CA. He will be remembered and loved by his wife Cecilia; their daughter Beatriz; their son Roman and his wife Bianca; his five grandchildren, Cassandra, Raymond, Ander, Sabrina, and Nicholas; and one great-grandson Liam. Visitation will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1558 12th Street, Firebaugh, CA 93622, on Monday, October 26, 2015, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. followed by a Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 p.m. A Mass will he held at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Tuesday, October 27, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. followed by interment at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery.