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04/28/2026 - San Bruno, California, US

Jean (Kayet) Sorhouet, born September 24, 1942 in Arneguy, France, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2026 in San Bruno, CA at the age of 83. He is preceded in death by his parents: Antoine and Marie; and brothers-in-law: Jean Louis Etchegoimberry, Antoine Etchegoimberry, and Dominique Sabarots. He is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Mayie; his son, Mark, and wife, Natalie; his daughter, Nathalie; brother, Pierre Sorhouet (Monique); sister, Jeanne Etchegoimberry (Jean Baptiste); sister, Marie Jeanne Sabarot; brother-in-law, Bernard Etchegoimberry (Maite); and sister-in-law, Odile Etchegoimberry; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Kayet was the oldest of four siblings, and grew up in the Basque Country in the small village of Arneguy, on their family farm “Migueltoa”. He lost his mother to cancer at the age of nine and was raised by his father and two of his mother’s brothers. He worked on the farm throughout his youth, later attending an agricultural school to learn sheep husbandry.

In 1964, after completing his military service, he set off for America — landing in Cokeville, Wyoming, where he spent 5½ years on a sheepherding contract. Those years left a mark on him that never faded. When his contract ended, a friend drew him west to San Francisco with the promise of work, and in 1970 he arrived and built a career in garden maintenance and landscaping that would last the rest of his working life.

On a visit home in 1974 he met Mayie; four years later, they were married and she joined him in the Sunset District of San Francisco. Together they raised two children, welcoming Mark in 1981 and Nathalie in 1983. In 1994 the family tried a new chapter, returning to Lantabat, France, but after nine months they came back to California, settling in San Bruno, where Kayet quietly started over, rebuilding his routes, his business, and his life.

Kayet carried deep pride in his Basque heritage and was an active presence in the Bay Area’s Basque community. A member of the San Francisco Basque Club, the Basque Cultural Center, and several local French clubs and associations, he gave generously of his time: selling tickets at the annual Basque Picnic, pouring wine at Cultural Center events, and serving on many boards.

One of the things that he enjoyed most was spending time with friends and playing the card games “Mus” and “Belotte”. Many a weekend was spent at dinner parties among their close circle of friends, where good meals gave way to card games that ran well past midnight. And when he was not at the table, he was outdoors. A love of nature rooted in his sheepherding days never left him; he was an avid fisherman and hunter who made regular trips to Paso Robles and the Sierras, always glad to share those open spaces with family and friends.

Kayet tended to his gardening routes until December 2018, when he suffered a stroke while working at a customer’s home. A Parkinson’s disease diagnosis followed shortly after. He endured the years of illness that followed with his characteristic quiet resilience, and after an eight-year battle, his fight came to a peaceful end, surrounded by his wife and children.

The family is deeply grateful to the many friends who visited through the years — sharing meals with us and coming to play cards with Kayet. Your presence made an unbearable time bearable. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Kaiser Hospice and the many doctors, nurses, and aides who cared for him with such dedication.

Viewing will be held at Duggan Serra Mortuary, 500 Westlake Ave., Daly City, on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 starting at 5:00 pm, with a Rosary at 7:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Roberts Church, 1380 Crystal Springs Rd., San Bruno, on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 10:30 am followed by committal at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Colma.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation; the Basque Cultural Center Scholarship Fund; St. Roberts Catholic Church or a charity of your choice.

Goian Bego. Sarri artio, Kaiet!