On June 30, 2012, John "Jock" Martin Echave passed away at his home in Jordan Valley, Ore. A special thanks to Dr. Jocele Skinner and XL Hospice out of Weiser, Idaho, for helping Jock stay at home for his entire life and ensuring comfort in those days.
Jock was born on Jan. 30, 1942, in Winnemucca, the eldest son of John and Marge. A mere fourteen months later his brother Frank was born and the two boys spent their childhood riding horses, tending cattle, preparing the teams for haying, spending time with family at King's River, and enjoying their elementary years at the old school house with their mother as their teacher. When Jock was in the eighth grade, he moved to Winnemucca to go to school where he excelled in all sports, especially track, football, and basketball. After graduation he moved to Reno to play for the University of Nevada, Reno. Sporting the #33, he became a well-known fullback and was eventually offered a position with the Chicago Bears; however, after four full years of schooling, Jock made the decision to head back to the ranch to work for the family.
Jock would not return home to the ranch alone though, for while at UNR, he met a lovely blonde, California girl: Karen Eileen Goodrich. Karen was a refined member of Gamma Phi Beta and Jock had been the president of the historic "rough and tough" Sundowners, yet they found love in each other's arms, and on June 27, 1964, they were married in LaCanada, Calif. For the next 46 years they were devoted to each other.
Jock and Karen made their home at Oregon Canyon Ranch in McDermitt. They had three children: Kristen, Michon, and Jon. As a parent, Jock demanded respect and worked to instill discipline in his children. Jock thoroughly enjoyed the many pleasures life provides on a cattle ranch. He was an avid trapper and loved hunting the big bucks. He was quite involved in his children's lives at school as well. He helped coach various sports and was a constant on the side lines. He could relate to the kids because he had done it and he had patience in teaching and coaching. Jock obtained his pilot's license and he and Karen frequently flew to many of their children's events across the country. Flying was a hobby in his life for over twenty years, one in which he used for work and pleasure. After becoming a grandfather, Jock doted on his grandkids, kept them from being disciplined, and simply enjoyed spending time with them at every opportunity.
Jock is preceded in death by his wife Karen and parents Marge and John. He is survived by his daughter Michon (Jason) Schmidt and son Jon (Tara) Echave, three grandchildren Kaine and Bayley Baptist, John Jett Echave, his brother Frank (Sharon) Echave, niece Elisa McDade and her children Savannah and J.W., niece Elaina Echave, niece Danielle (Augie) Mariezcurrena and children LaShae and Nichole, and nephew Frank Echave and son Cameron, mother-in-law Yolan Goodrich, sister-in-law Kristen (Bob) Tallman, niece Nicole (Daniel) Pennell and children Canyon and Cashly.
An open house was held on July 7th at the home of Jon and Tara Echave, 3054 Dinwitty Lane, Jordan Valley, Ore., for Jock and his daughter Kristen, who after a short hospital stay, passed away less than two full days after her father.
Born in Winnemucca on Nov. 20, 1967, Kristen Eileen was the first born child of Karen and Jock. A mirror image of her father, Kristen excelled at anything she set her mind to. She enjoyed cooking with her mother and riding with her father. Once she started school, it became clearly apparent that she was gifted academically. Upon entering junior high, she became interested in athletics. Kristen competed in numerous sports: track, basketball, volleyball, rodeo, and cheerleading. Liked by all, Kristen was the true epitome of the All-American girl. Upon graduation she attended the University of Idaho on a full-ride academic scholarship pursuing a degree in veterinary medicine.
A year later her younger sister Michon decided to attend UNR, also her parents' alma mater. Kristen quickly made a move to the area as well. It was at this time that she met Joe Baptist. They married Aug. 24, 1991, in Winnemucca. They made their home at Oregon Canyon Ranch and had two wonderful children: Kaine Mathew (Feb. 22, 1993) and Bayley Lorraine (Jan. 19, 1997). Kristen enjoyed her children immensely and was always proud of them. She was their biggest fan and always believed in them regardless of their life choices.
Friends and family will cherish many fond memories of Kris. She was well-known for being a fantastic cook. Everyone loved her chicken enchiladas, ox-tail soup, and Basque green beans. Her children fondly remember her cooking an entire week's meals on the wood stove when the power went out. Kris enjoyed hunting, be it the big bucks or pack rats peeking out of the Cheerios' box. Music provided entertainment for Kristen and her family. She loved to turn it up loud, sing it proud, and dance along wings askew. Her Jordan Valley rendition of the Harper Valley PTA will always be replayed and reinacted. Her humor is long lasting and will be retold many times. Incidents like the "ace of spades", "breast pump", and those brutally honest moments left us all red-in-the-face.
Kris will always be known for her strong-willed nature. She always stood her ground regardless if it came to a fistfight, wrestling match, or even a "Bruce Lee" kickboxing showdown. Kris was a big believer in relationships. If she liked you, she liked you forever, no matter what. The opposite was true as well. Some of her closest relationships included the following: her nephew JJ, her lifelong friends Michelle Muguira and Dolly Lau Green, cousin Elisa, siblings Michon and Jon, and of course her beloved children, Kaine and Bayley.
Kristen has always had a truly special relationship with her parents, especially her father. How fitting it be that they pass away close together where they can take care of each other. In life and in death they were partners, rarely separated. They joked together, shared the same sense of humor, rough and tumble nature, and "take no guff" attitude. They were kindred spirits. Both were cremated and along with Karen (wife/mother who passed away a year and a half ago), their ashes will be scattered up Oregon Canyon. Father, mother, and child together forever in peace and harmony.
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