Obituary of Ignacio Lizaso

"Choch" Ignacio Domingo Lizaso, born August 3, 1932 and passed away April 6, 2014 at his home in Smiths Ferry, Idaho. A gathering of friends and family will be held Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Summers Funeral Homes, Ustick Chapel, Meridian. A reception will be held at the funeral home immediately following the service. Choch was the first born child of Vicente Lizaso and Juanita Onaderra Lizaso. The family lived in south Boise where Choch attended Garfield Elementary, North Jr. High and Boise High. He was very involved in 4-H showing dairy cows from the family farm. After he graduated high school he enlisted in the Air Force National Guard reserves where he served at Valdosta, Georgia. He married Colleen Winn in 1954 and they had 3 children. Choch led a very exciting life filled with friends and hobbies. He was one of the outlaw drag racers from Boise and raced the circuit between Boise and Bakersfield, California in the 50's. Choch was featured in a photo spread in "Hot Rod" magazine during his racing career. Choch moved his family to Dry Creek and worked on his father-in-law's ranch. They would drive the cattle between Pearl and Ten Axe Ranch in Lowman, depending on the season. After the ranch was sold, he worked for Dobaran Implement selling farm machinery, and later worked for King and Priest selling machine tools. After retiring, Choch needed something to stay busy, so he started a firewood business. The firewood business led Choch to open Lizaso's Saw Service, where he and his sons sold and repaired chainsaws and lawn equipment. Upon retiring again, he and Colleen moved to Smiths Ferry where they enjoyed the company of friends, family, and wildlife at their mountain home. Choch is survived by his sister Josephine (Joe) Yrazabal; brother, Pete (Louise) Lizaso; his two sons, Vince (Jan) Lizaso, Cecil (Diana) Lizaso; and daughter, Beni (Aitor) Amuchastegui; grandchildren, Angie and Ramon Lizaso, Mikel and Dioni Amuchastegui, Angie (Pete) Stites, and Billy (Matt) Wolfe; great-grandchildren, Jayson, Hailie and Marrisa Lizaso, Aiden and Jenny Stites; as well as many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a very special friend, Lorena "Rene" Calderon. Choch was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Colleen. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Basque Museum and Cultural Center, 611 Grove Street, Boise, ID 83702.