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Raymond Etcheverry Obituary
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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Etcheverry
6 Entries
Tom Long
November 26, 2019
Ray is well on his way and needs no words of consolation. For the family and friends left behind, the family holidays always accentuate their felt sorrow. I know no words or platitudes do much to ease that sorrow. Even time does not do much to mellow the sharpness of the pain. This is the time when families and friends need most the sharing of this common sorrow; to know you are not alone in this moment.
James Matuska
December 6, 2017
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Jonmarie/Bob Mastro
December 4, 2017
Sorry for your loss Mary, Jean and family. Prayers to you all.
Tom Long
December 3, 2017
Godspeed Ray.
Kathleen (Casenave) Dragovich
December 3, 2017
I was sad to hear of Ray's passing. But I know two people that are very happy to great him in heaven. Orien and my dad, John Casenave. I'm sure they welcomed him with, "what took you so long?" I wonder what it's like to go fishing in heaven? I'm sure they are already at it!! God bless you Raymond.
Sally Fitts
December 2, 2017
The world lost a kind, gentle angel. He will be missed.
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