May 5, 1946 ~ May 15, 2017
Surrounded by the love and warmth of his family and closest friends, Carlos passed away in his home on May 15, 2017.
Carlos was born in beautiful Santesteban, Navarra, in Spain on May 5, 1946. Carlos was the oldest of three Iribarren brothers to proud parents, Carmen and Manuel. Through vacations and Skype, he remained close with all his family despite time and distance.
During his childhood, Carlos’s family opened a bar on the ground floor of their home, Casa Ameztia. The lifestyle of bartending, good food and joyful gatherings seemed to be his destiny from the beginning. At the age of 18, Carlos set off to California with a sheepherding contract provided by his uncle Ramon. He herded for 3.5 years, where he would entertain himself by dancing by the fireside and singing to his sheepdog under the stars. However, the quiet hills of Fresno were not enough for this adventurous man.
Next Carlos went to Chino, CA, where he met Jesus Rey. Going to Basque picnics and dances along with working side-by-side set the foundation for this lifelong friendship. They were two young boys from the Basque Country who would grow up together like brothers, and they moved to Gardnerville, NV. They, along with their families, shared a 30 year partnership in the Carson Valley Country Club; raised strong, loving children and had countless memories together.
Carlos was the proud father of two daughters, Maite and Izar. They grew to challenge the world, just as he approached life. They emulate their Aita in their passion, love of family, food, wine, culture and treasured, simple moments. The apples didn’t fall far from the tree.
Twenty-eight years ago, Carlos married Isabel (his Loli), the love of his life. To see the two together was to witness a pairing of the finest nature. Their special blend of travel, family, friends, laughter, spicy personalities, mutual support, topped with good food and wine was something to admire. Carlos and Isabel made one another’s lives complete and whole, the perfect fit one for the other.
Without a doubt, you could find Carlos sharing and living his love of the Basque culture. He wouldn’t miss a Basque picnic, mus tournament or a pelota match; and the reunion of family and friends at each gathering was priceless.
Carlos was preceded in death by his parents Manuel and Carmen, and son Carlitos.
Carlos is survived by his wife Isabel; daughter Maite and son-in-law Mark; daughter Izar and son-in-law Nick; brothers, Alberto (M. Josefa) and Jose Miguel (M. Carmen), as well as many much-loved nephews, nieces and cousins.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped us at the Infusion Center, and in particular, Lori Salvador.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 11am at St. Gall Church, 1343 Centerville Ln., Gardnerville, NV 89410.
Memorial donations may be made to: Infusion Center at the Carson Valley Medical Center, 1107 Hwy 395, Gardnerville, NV 89410.
