Leon Franchisteguy

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Leon Guillaume Franchisteguy 1927-2011.

Just one month until his 84th birthday, Leon Franchisteguy passed away peacefully with his family around him early Friday morning February 25th, 2011. He was born on March 31,1927 in Ancille, France to his beloved parents, Jeanne and Michel Franchisteguy. Leon was the oldest of five children. At the age of 25, in 1952, Leon made the decision to emigrate from France to Fresno, California. He worked herding sheep for 5 years. He would correspond with his fianc Grace back in France and plan a future together. In early 1957 he decided to come to San Francisco to try his hand as a landscaper. In just a short time he started his own successful landscaping business. On August 22nd 1957 his fianc Grace came to join him in San Francisco. 9 days later Leon married his beloved Grace Mindurry of Ahax, France on August 31, 1957. They were married at Notre Dame de Victoire Church in San Francisco. They were married for 53 wonderful years. While expecting their first child in 1959, they purchased their home in the Sunset. There they raised their two daughters Linda and Michelle. Leon was hard working but also knew how to enjoy life. Family always came first. As time went on, Leon and Grace purchased their weekend home in Sonoma. There both enjoyed entertaining friends and family with delicious barbeques. Leon's passion was his garden where he grew fresh vegetables and fruits. Leon was, and has always been, greatly involved in his French and Basque community.

He was a member of many local clubs: Basque Cultural Center (his home away from home), Basque Club S.F., Marin County Basque Club, La Gauloise, Les Chasseurs, Les Jardiniers, Les Faneurs, Ligue Henri IV and the Odd Fellows to name a few.

Leon lost his youngest daughter, Michelle, in late 2008. He now joins her along with many other family members and friends who have passed away. He will be deeply missed by his wife Grace, daughter Linda Franchisteguy Orellana and son-in-law Richard Orellana of Daly City. Brothers, sister and brother/sister-in-laws in France: Cuancito (& Madeleine) Franchisteguy, Jeanotte (& Serge) Lochereau, Ambroch (& Marie Jeanne) Franchisteguy and his late brother Arnaud (& Mayie) Franchisteguy as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

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