euskalkultura.eus

10/08/2026 - Los Banos, California

Gratien Alfaro passed away on October 8, 2026, at the age of 80. He will be remembered with love by his family, friends, and the Basque community that held such an important place in his life. He worked hard, took pride in his roots, and treasured time with the people he loved.
Gratien was born on March 19, 1946, in the family home, Cochinarra, in Urepel, France, to Jean and Marie Telleria Alfaro. The second of eight children, he grew up working on the family farm alongside his eldest sister, Alice, and his siblings Jeannot, Jean Pierre, Robert, and Bernadette. His younger siblings, Daniel and Corrine, were born after Gratien had moved to California.
At just 16, Gratien left his family and homeland for Los Banos, California, to work as a sheepherder for his aunt, Catherine Laxauge Erreca. He also tended cattle with Pierre Heguy. Gratien had a deep love for animals and a natural gift for working with and caring for them. Far from home, the long days, demanding work, and solitude of sheepherding asked a great deal of someone so young. Those early years required courage and perseverance, qualities he carried into the life he built in America.
Seeking greater opportunity, Gratien moved to San Francisco, where he met Micheline Gortari. Her parents, Michel and Dolores Gortari, ran the Castro Hotel in North Beach. Michel was from Baigorry, and Dolores was from Erratzu. Gratien and Micheline married on May 11, 1968, and eventually made their home in Redwood City, where they raised their daughter, Linda, and son, Michel. Gratien established a gardening business that grew into a successful landscaping business, which he operated until his retirement. He then returned to Los Banos, fulfilling his wish to make his home there again.
Gratien remained deeply involved in the San Francisco and Los Banos Basque Clubs. As a member of the San Francisco Klika, he shared his love of Basque music with his son, Michel, and grandson, Christian. At one time, three generations of the family played the drums, a beautiful continuation of a tradition he loved. For many years, Gratien and Michel played side by side at Basque festivals, making memories that their family will always cherish.
Gratien was also known as a bertsolari, a singer of improvised Basque verse. His heartfelt verses captured the joys and challenges of rural life, the beauty of nature, and his reflections on the events of the day. He shared this gift at Basque gatherings throughout the western United States, including California and Nevada, and was invited to join fellow bertsolaris in New York City.
Hunting and fishing were among the great joys of Gratien’s life. His hunting trips took him to the Ardans ranch in Panoche, the hills around Los Banos, Susanville, and Colorado. Fishing in Bridgeport, California, held a special place in his heart. He treasured those days and the dear friends who shared them. Many of those friends passed away years before him. His family takes comfort in picturing them together again, singing and enjoying endless games of Mus.
Gratien was preceded in death by his parents, Jean and Marie Alfaro, and his parents-in-law, Michel and Dolores Gortari.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Micheline Gortari Alfaro; his daughter, Linda (Joseph) Etchebehere; his son, Michel (Jen) Alfaro; his grandchildren, Christian (Riley) Curutchague, Grace Alfaro, and Jack Alfaro; and his great-grandchild, Theodore Curutchague.
He is also survived by his brothers, Jeannot (Marie Jean) Alfaro of Los Banos, Jean Pierre (Marie Jean) Alfaro of San Francisco, and Robert (Marie Dominique) Alfaro of Burlingame. In the Basque Country, he is survived by his sisters, Alice (Bernard) Iriart, Bernadette (Battitte) Inarreia, and Corrine (Jean Bernard) Etchebarren, and his youngest brother, Daniel Alfaro. He also leaves many nieces and nephews in the United States and the Basque Country.
The sound of the Klika at a Basque festival will always bring Gratien to mind. His family will carry his memory in the traditions he passed down and the many happy days they shared. He will be deeply missed.

Goian Bego. Sarri artio, Urepeleko artzaina.