Luis Echenique

MONTEREY - Luis Echenique, 86, lifelong resident of Southern Monterey County, passed away February 26, 2006 in Salinas at Pacific Coast Care Center. A Memorial Rosary and Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 3, 2006 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in King City. Luis was born November 10, 1919, in Salinas. He was a 1937 graduate and is an inductee of the Sports Hall of Fame at King City Joint Union High School where he participated in baseball and track. He went on to Santa Clara University on a baseball scholarship. In 1941 he obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering. Luis was a pilot in the U.S. Naval Air Corps, 1941-1945, achieving the rank of lieutenant. He flew numerous missions during his tour of duty in the Pacific and Atlantic Theater. Luis returned to his family's home ranch in San Lucas, CA and entered into the family's farming business with his father Lucio and 2 brothers, Ricardo and Francis. In 1954 Luis married Rita Houde and together they lived in San Lucas, King City and eventually retired to Monterey, CA. Luis was a charter member of the King City Golf Course. He loved all sports, especially hunting and fishing. In his earlier years he enjoyed flying his own plane to Baja, California for fishing and to Wyoming for hunting. Luis always loved driving on his ranch, spending time enjoying the wildlife he saw, always accompanied by his loyal companion, the late “Abner�. Luis partnered with his brothers and Al Oliveira in the conversation piece and eventual production of BASPORT WINE, “3 Basques and a Portegee�. Luis was also a member of the King City VFW Post 6747 and a charter member of the Knights of Columbus, St. John's Catholic Church. Donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home, Paso Robles, CA.