euskalkultura.eus

04/12/2023 - Elko, Nevada, EEUU

(publicado en Elko Daily, Legacy.com el 12 de diciembre de 2023)

Jean-Louis (Jean) Iribarne born April 7, 1932, in Euskal Herria (Basque Country) Arneguy, France, to Marie-Jeanne Iribarne (Iroz) and Jean Iribarne. Jean moved to Nevada in 1951, to join his father who was already working in the United States as a sheepherder.

Jean expressed his commitment to his new country upon arrival and became an American citizen in 1964, and registered for civil service. He spent his early adult life working as a sheepherder in the mountains surrounding Elko, NV. In 1961, he was hired as a trapper for the United States government and provided predator control for local ranches. This involved trapping and hunting coyotes, mountain lions, and bobcats. As was the custom with most Basque men, Jean spent his time outside of the sheep camp at the Star Hotel where he lived as a border. It was there that he met his wife, Shirley, who was working as a waitress.

Jean and Shirley married in 1966, and have two daughters, Janet and Josette. Jean was dedicated to raising his children in the Basque tradition. He taught them dances from the Basque Country, music, and songs. He brought his talent to many of the children of Basque descent living in Elko as he taught generations of children Basque dancing. He also shared in bringing Basque music to Elko while playing the clarinet with numerous musicians including: Bernardo Yanci, Bermero Uriaguereca, Mercedes Mendive, Jean Flesher, and Anna Urrizaga.

He was an active member of the Basque club and never turned down a request to help the dancers. Jean will be truly missed by his family and friends. His legacy will live on in the lives of all the children who have been influenced by his gift to the Elko Basque community.

His love and zest of life and the love for his family will never be forgotten in the memories living with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Jean is survived by his wife (Shirley), two daughters (Janet and Josette), and granddaughters (Genevieve and Nerea Lazcano). Jean will also be remembered by son-in-laws: Paul Hutton and Pierre Lazcano as well as Mykol Hutton, Anthony Hutton, and Elijah Hutton. He is survived by his brother, Bernard and sister-in-law, Bernadette living in Arneguy; as well as several nieces and nephews in the Basque Country. Jean was preceded in death by his sister, (Jeanette Iribarne); mother (Marie-Jeanne), and father (Jean).

A funeral Mass will be held on December 18, 2023, at 10:00 AM at Saint Joseph's Church in Elko, NV, with a rosary preceding the Mass at 9:30 AM. Aita Antton Egiguren Iraola will preside over the Mass. A lunch and celebration of life will take place at the Basque Club house following the service.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation for the compassionate staff of the Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital who helped Jean transition to the kingdom of heaven.

Goian Bego eta Ondo Ibili, Jean.