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IN TRIBUTE TO
RAYMOND CASTANCHOA SR.
1909-1969
  Raymond
Castanchoa Sr. was a prominent Kern County rancher and woolgrower.
He was the son of Gracienne Castanchoa and a native of Bidarry,
French Pyrenees. Settling in Kern County in 1928, Raymond
went to work as a sheepherder for Domingo Argain. He went
into business for himself in 1933 as a sheepman, later acquiring
farming property. He had ranch holdings in the Famoso area
where he farmed cotton, potatoes, and wheat.
Raymond was one of the five founding members of the Kern County
Basque Club. Raymond was also a member of the Kern County
wool Growers Association, the California Wool Growers Association,
Western Range Association and the Kern County Gun Club.
Raymond enjoyed his family, friends, farming, and his sheep.
He bowled at the Golden State Lanes and traveled to the coast
for the Santa Barbara Festivals.
His family carries on the Basque tradition:
Mary Jane Castanchoa Hellwig, his wife of twenty-three years
and honorary, life member of the Basque Club, has been active
in all Basque Club activities since its inception. His late
son, Raymond, contributed a lamb for the Festival each year.
His daughter, Jeanne Costerisan, has served as a member and
officer of the board of directors of the Basque Club for many
years. Tracey Buys, Raymond's granddaughter, is also an active
member of the Basque Club, and was involved in the Basque
Dancing program for many years. The Hellwig, Costerisan and
Buys families all take pride in sharing the Basque traditions.
Today, Raymond would be proud to see the ideals and dreams
of his heritage continue on through his love of the Basque
Club.
When the music starts and the Basque Dancers begin to entertain
you; look for Raymond's five-year-old, great-grandson, Colton
Buys. Colton is not only a Basque dancer, he's also following
the heritage of the Basque.
The Basque tradition is passed from generation to generation.
Raymond Castanchoa, Sr. would indeed be proud.
The peace of our Lord is with him.
Back to Founding
Fathers
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2002,
Pierre Igoa