euskalkultura.eus

08/24/2025 - Bakersfield, California, USA

Bernardo Vidaurreta passed away peacefully at his home in Bakersfield, California, on August 24, 2025 at the age of 91 following a long battle with cancer.

Born on January 11, 1934, in the small town of Esnotz, Spain, Bernardo was the sixth of nine children born to Martin Jose Vidaurreta Lusarreta and Francisca Villanueva. For most of his childhood, he lived and worked on his family's farm in the Basque countryside with his parents and siblings.

At the age of 17, Bernardo and his brother Angel emigrated to the United States to stay with family in Fresno. He found work as a sheepherder and eventually settled in Bakersfield, where he met and married Catherine Buoni, his devoted wife and lifelong partner of almost 62 years. Bernardo transitioned to farming and successfully ran his farming operation for more than five decades.

Bernardo was known for his quiet strength and tireless work ethic, but his family and close friends will remember him for his loving nature, competitive spirit, and encyclopedic knowledge of history and geography. He was a gifted storyteller, often captivating his grandchildren and friends with tales of his life and experiences – each one infused with wisdom and life lessons. He had a deep love of music and often sang songs ranging from traditional Basque folk tunes to the Bakersfield Sound. He enjoyed playing Mus, a traditional Basque card game, watching tennis, hunting, and spending time with friends at the Kern County Basque Club.

Bernardo is survived by his beloved wife Catherine; his children Marisa (Rick) and Joe (David); his grandchildren Chase and Spencer; and his brother Javier. He was preceded in death by his siblings Antonio, Paco, Angel, Margarita, Fermin, and Maria Josefa.

Bernardo will be remembered for his humility, resilience, and unwavering devotion to his family and the land he worked so passionately on. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

A funeral service is scheduled for 9:30 AM on September 4th at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church (12300 Reina Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93312). A graveside ceremony to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park (9101 Kern Canyon Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93306). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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(published by Bakersfield Californian, Legacy.com on Aug. 30, 2025)

Goian Bego (GB) - May Rest in Peace