Jean "René" Arduain

1942 - 2012

Jean "René" Arduain 1942 - 2012 Jean "René" Arduain born February 12, 1942 in Osses, France died April 25, 2012 in Bakersfield, California at age 70. He is preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Marie Arduain, brothers Michel, Jean Pierre and Jean Louis Arduain, brother-in-law Henri Duhart, and Maxine Peterson, his "American mother". He is survived by his brothers, Jean Arduain and wife Arlette, Andre Arduain and wife Anita, Bernard Arduain and wife Erin, Roger Arduain and wife Elizabeth, sister Bernadette Duhart, sister-in-law Jeanine Arduain, and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. René grew up in the small town of Osses, in his family home of Etcheparia. He served as a paratrooper in the French military, and then immigrated to San Francisco in 1964. He soon found work in the culinary field, where he perfected his famous sauces. He had the privilege of working with many prestigious chefs in the Bay Area, including President Kennedy's former head chef. He moved to Bakersfield in 1992, and became business partners with his brother opening Benji's French Basque Restaurant. He was very proud of his Basque heritage and was a member of both the Kern County Basque Club and the San Francisco Basque Cultural Center. He enjoyed watching his 49ers and SF Giants, as well as reminiscing about his glory days in San Francisco at 599 Vallejo. The family would like to thank Dr. Jorge Del Toro and the many other doctors and nurses that cared for him during his battle with cancer. Visitation will be Monday, April 30, 2012 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Greenlawn Memorial Park (3700 River Blvd.). Rosary and Funeral services will be held at St. Francis Catholic Church (900 H Street) on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. with interment to follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mendiburu Magic Foundation (P.O. Box 6307, Bakersfield, CA 93386); the Kern County Basque Club Scholarship or Klika Fund (P.O. Box 416, Bakersfield, CA 93302); the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice. www.bakersfield.com/obits