John Urquidi

Husband, father, grandfather, friend, rancher and sheep man, John Urquidi left us on Aug.13, 2014.

John was born to Basque immigrant parents, Jose and Victoria Urquidi, in Mountain Home, Idaho, on July 16, 1925.

One of two boys, John and his brother, Tony, spent their younger childhood attending school in Mountain Home while living in the Bengochea Hotel during the winter. They spent their summers in Little Camas with their father.

After moving to Grand View, John worked lambing sheds, farmed the land for livestock and strengthened his deep regard for the countryside.

Shortly after graduation from Grand View High School and just 19, John became an Army Ranger with the 6th Battalion and served honorably in the Philippines and Japan from 1945 through 1946.

In 1951, he graduated from the University of Idaho with a degree in agriculture. He moved to Boise and worked for the Idaho Department of Agriculture for 34 years until he retired.

Throughout his life, family, friends, God's creatures, the land and his Basque heritage were important to John.

He married his love, Harriett Ocamica, on June 6, 1953, at St. John's Cathedral and they were married for 62 years. Together, they raised their three children in Boise while caring for the family ranch in Bruneau.

Proud to be an American first, John loved his Basque heritage. He was a charter member of the Basque Center and also served as secretary and then president. He celebrated his heritage with family while helping to build the foundation that enriches the Basque community today.

Those he leaves behind will honor what he has taught through example -- gathering with family and friends welcoming others with his generosity, shooting the breeze with a good story and loving life.

Our family wishes to express our deep gratitude to his fiercely loyal and tireless caregiver, his beloved wife, Harriett. Her love and care brought immeasurable comfort and peace.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Tony. Envisioning him with his parents, brother, extended family and many friends brings comfort to those he left behind.

He is survived by his wife, Harriett, his daughter, Teresa, his son and his son's wife, John B. and Alisa, his daughter, Kristi, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and their families.

A rosary will be at recited at 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 18, at Summers Funeral Homes, 1205 W. Bannock St., Boise. Funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug.19, at Church of the Sacred Heart, 811 S. Latah St., Boise, ID, followed by a light meal. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. at The Idaho State Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made in John's name to the Basque Center or the Basque Museum.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on John's memorial webpage at www.summersfuneral.com.