Luis Maria Ansotegui, 82, of Burns, passed away peacefully on Aug. 13, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on June 21, 1943, in Gauteguiz de Arteaga, Bizkaia, Spain, to the late Juan and Iluminada Ansotegui.

Our father, Aita, graduated from La Escuela de Artes y Oficios for carpentry and built houses. Before bringing his family to America, Aita came on his own and began bravely building a new life for his family. In 1969, he married his sweetheart, Maria Soledad Bernedo, and in 1974 the couple made the long journey from Spain and settled in Burns, where they raised their three children. He became a proud U.S. citizen in 1978.

Aita spent many decades working at Edward Hines Lumber Company and Snow Mountain Pine. When the mills began laying off, he provided for his family by working on a ranch before later joining Tecton, where he stayed until his retirement in 2008.

Our Aita was a very hard-working man who gave his all to every project he took on.  He will be remembered for his artistic talent for woodworking and his ability to build or repair anything, as well as for his beautiful penmanship.  He was also a very proud Basque man, raising his children to love the Basque culture. He loved his garden, growing lima beans (abas), green beans, onions, tomatoes, peppers (piper berdeak), and especially his prized garlic. If you were one of the lucky ones, you might have received one of his beautiful garlic braids. He loved fishing with our mother, Ama, at Fish Lake every summer, heading up in the mountains to get the winter’s wood supply, and sitting in his yard, on a warm sunny day, watching for his hummingbirds. 

Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his family; his wife, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His great-grandchildren will always remember “Aichiche” sneaking them Dum Dum suckers with a mischievous smile.

True to his adventurous spirit, Aita earned his motorcycle endorsement at the age of 65 and continued riding until his final days.

Aita is survived by his wife of 56 years, Maria Ansotegui; children, Aitor (Jula), Yolanda (Darrin), and Esther (Cy); six grandchildren, Britnee (Dean), AJ, Jessica (Cody), Amanda (Rayce), Ashlee (Nick), and Cyrus; and six great-grandchildren, Isabella, Micah, Kayson, Jaxon, Hazley, and Coraline. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother. He will be forever missed and lovingly remembered.

A memorial service will be held at a later date, giving family and friends the opportunity to gather, share memories, and celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to cancer research in his honor.