FELIX M. ETCHEVERRY

Felix Etcheverry was born June 9,1905 to Fernando and Mathilda Etcheverry, who had immigrated from Aldudes, France. Felix, the eldest of the Etcheverry's two children spent his early years along with his brother, Pete, at the Iberia Hotel, now known as the Noriega Hotel. Fernando and Faustino Noriega were partners in the Hotel until 1908, when Fernando sold his share to Mr. Noriega. With his proceeds, Fernando along with his brother-in-law, Patin Etcheverry, each bought an 80 acre farm located at the intersection of Snow and Calloway, Northwest Bakersfield.
Moving to the farm in 1910, Felix attended the one room Norris School that is now located in the Kern County Museum. After high school, Felix began farming with his father and on October 14, 1931, married Rosalie M. Ansolabehere, the daughter of Jean and Marie Ansolabehere. This marriage gave birth to four children, Marie Jeanne Echevere, John, Raymond, and Albert Etcheverry. If living today, Felix and Rose would be experiencing eleven grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren, four of which are being raised on the original 80 acre farm.
Felix continued to farm after the death of his parents, increasing his production base as his family grew. As a successful farmer, he was involved in the Kern County Farm Bureau, the Rosedale Grange, Director of the Rosedale Co-op Gin and member of several agricultural and community groups.
AS a past member and president of the Morris School Board of Trustees, he helped guide the school's development for 30 years. As a student, parent, trustee, and community member, Felix participated in the school's growth from the single room structure that he attended, to a modern day school.
One of his great loves was assisting in the Kern County 4-H program. As an assistant leader of the Cawelo Chapter, he devoted a great deal of time to his children and those of others, helping them develop leadership skills at an early age. He loved the culmination of the 4-H year, the participation in the annual Kern County Fair and Junior Livestock Show.
He was proud of his Basque heritage and involvement in the Kern County Basque Club. Felix was one of the Founders and a charter member. He served as the Club's secretary/treasurer from 1944 through 1949. in its formative years, he along with other founders, put forth tremendous effort in developing the Club; and was fortunate to experience and enjoy the Club as it matured into the social organization it is today.
Felix, above all, was a family man that worked hard for his family, friends and the community. He lost his 42 year partner in life, Rosalie, on September 17,1973 and passed away himself on March 19, 1981.

We all loved him and dearly miss him and morn.
The Family

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