euskalkultura.eus

06/02/2025 - Reno, Nevada, USA

Frank "Patxi" Aguirre passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family in Reno, Nevada. He was 89 years old.

Born on December 30, 1935, to Basque immigrants, Guy and Angela Aguirre, Frank spent his childhood in Ryndon, Nevada the second youngest of eight children: Pete, Angelo, Margie, Hank, Guy, Albert, and Doris. Frank told many stories of those early years, including getting into mischief with his siblings, attending school through grade 8 in a one-room schoolhouse, and working on the railroad tunnels with his dad. They had no running water or electricity, and his daily chores included hauling water, coal, and wood. Frank treasured those formative years exploring the beautiful creeks and hills of Northern Nevada. This love of the countryside, especially fishing with his family, persisted his whole life.

Frank graduated from Elko County High School in 1954 where he played football, basketball and city baseball. He met the love of his life, Louise Paoli, in confirmation class at church. The two were married in 1957 and went on to build a life centered around family, faith, and friendships. Their 68-year marriage was filled with family dinners, get-togethers with friends called "the group", and countless sporting events with his kids and grandchildren.

After high school, both Frank and Louise worked for Gulf Oil Company. Frank joined the National Guard and trained to become an electronics technician working on cannons and aircraft surveillance radar. He was employed full time by the Nevada Guard in 1957 rising to the rank of Master Sergeant. In 1963, Frank went to work for the Humboldt District Water Commission, developing lasting friendships with local ranchers.

Frank was one of the founders of Builders Mart along with his wife Lou, and worked as the manager until his retirement in 1992. Frank was known as a businessman who hated to turn down an opportunity to help others, whether it was by donating goods, sponsoring a team, or sitting on a community board. He was loved by his employees and customers because of his caring nature and dedication.

Perhaps one of Frank's greatest joys was coaching baseball - especially when it meant spending time with his son, grandsons, and countless other young athletes in Elko Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball. He coached for over five decades from the late 1950s through 2005 where his practical advice helped kids navigate their lives. Frank was an avid Yankees fan until the day he died. He developed a friendship with Lefty Gomez who golfed and gambled in Elko, that led to two trips to the World Series in L.A. and New York with his close friend, Dan Bilbao.

Above all, Frank's deepest devotion was to his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Louise; his son Tony (Pam); his daughter, Angela de Braga (Joe); grandchildren Felicia DeWald (Jon); Thomas de Braga (Shay); Justin de Braga (Kammie). He also leaves behind great-grandchildren who adored him dearly; Leander and Adelina DeWald; Gaizka de Braga; Kase, Wacy, Kreece, and Wyatt de Braga; and baby girl de Braga coming soon.

Frank was a lifelong member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and the Elko Basque Club. His life will be celebrated on Saturday, June 28, at 4:00 p.m. at 7th Canyon Ranch, 2550 Clubine Road, Lamoille. All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend.

Donations in Frank's memory can be made to Elko Little League PO Box 1874, Elko, NV 89803; or Elko Indar Soccer Club, Inc. PO Box 2541 Elko, NV 89803; Venmo @ElkoIndarFutbol

(published by Elko Daily, Legacy.com from Jun. 12 to Jun. 23, 2025)

Gugan Bego (GB) - May Rest in Peace