It’s with great sadness we announce the passing of Luis Echepare in the early morning of Friday, May 8, 2020, at the Herb Bassett Home. Jean, his loving wife of 42 years, was by his side.

Luis is survived by his wife, Jean (Little) Echepare; his children, Marshall Echepare (Danielle), Felisa (Steve) McCreary, Andrew Echepare, Aaron Echepare and Unai Echepare (Andrew); his sisters, Felisa, Nati and Ramoni; his brother, Miguel; his grandchildren, Jamid Echepare, Angel Echepare, Scott Echepare, Nylah Echepare, Keanu McCreary, Nakeisha McCreary and Rukia Echepare; his brothers-in-law, James Little, Henry Little and Raymond Little; his sister-in-law, Coreen Vance; numerous nieces and nephews; his special friend and spiritual sister, Martha Klischuk; and good friend, Thomas Iradi. He was predeceased by his parents, Hipolito and Manuela (Agesta) Echepare; his brothers, Nicasio, Tomas, Prudencio, Jesus and Fernando; his sisters, M. Rosairo and M. Jesus; his brothers-in-law, Glen Little, Wallace Little, Wilson Little; and his sister-in-law, Sharlotte Wegner.

Dad was born in the small town of Lesaka, Spain on June 22, 1939 as the 6th of 12 children. Dad grew up enjoying life playing with all his siblings and friends, fishing for trout and helping his grandmother with daily tasks on the farm which included caring for cows, pigs, rabbits, goats and a donkey.

Dad worked hard all his life, starting at a young age. When he was about 14, he was planting trees in the mountains of northern Spain. Then he worked at a cement factory in San Sebastian. When he was about 18, he began a career as a sailor. He was at sea for about 12 years. When he would return home, he would spoil his family with gifts. Dad was never too busy for his family. One winter, he even built a sled for his siblings to slide down the hill by family’s house.

Dad then started working at a steel factory in his hometown of Lesaka up until there was a strike. At that time, there was a call for the need of tree fallers in Canada, so Dad immigrated in 1974. He worked for Woodland Enterprise and other forestry companies up until he took early retirement due to health issues. He met mom in 1975 and they were married April 27, 1978. Together they raised a family of 5 children. He loved his family very much. Some of our favorite memories were our trips to the playground at Kinsman Park, the bike rides at Little Red River Park and the days spent at Candle Lake, swimming and enjoying family picnics.

In 1987, Dad took us to Spain to meet his familia in person! We got to know and love many of our relatives there! Then, in 2013, Dad made his final trip overseas to once again be with his familia and reminisce about the good ol’ days! With being so far away from his family, Dad kept in touch with them as much as possible through letters and phone calls.

One of dad’s favorite hobbies was woodworking. He put much time and love into each piece of furniture that decorated our family’s home. He also made pieces of furniture as gifts for his children and friends. Dad was a true handyman; he could do anything!

Dad’s love for his family and friends was so great that he would go out of his way to make sure they had everything they needed and making sure everyone was well-fed! He was always ready to help others, especially if they were needing trees to be cut down.

In the summer of 1988, Dad, along with mom, dedicated his life to his Heavenly Father, Jehovah through water baptism. Dad was a good man all his life, but with a careful study of the Bible, he developed a greater love for the Most High God, Jehovah (Psalms 83:18) and His Son, Jesus Christ (John 17:3) With his new found knowledge, Dad made further changes in his life, for the better. Dad’s faith was very important to him. He spent hours with his Bible in hand and research books opened to further his knowledge of Bible truths. With many hours of personal study and attending Christian meetings at the Kingdom Hall, Dad held close to his heart the promise of a new world to come, a paradise earth under God’s Kingdom! A world with no more pain, sickness or death (Revelation 21:3,4). A world where he would be able to welcome back his loved ones who have died (John 5:28,29). Now, this hope is one we are looking forward to, to welcome Dad back and to see him in perfect health (Isaiah 33:24). Our tears of sorrow will be turned to tears of joy!

“He will swallow up death forever,
And the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will
wipe away the tears from all faces.”
– Isaiah 25:8a

Dad was a very determined man despite his health! He cheated death on more than one occasion. He knew his family needed him and he didn’t want to leave them, so he fought hard to be with us. But now it is his time to rest, a well-deserved rest! Dad was very thankful for the care that he was given at the hospital, care home and at home, with mom as his caregiver.

Special thanks to the care home nurses of the Paradise Path ward of the Herb Bassett Home, to his doctors: Dr. A. Awad & Dr. O. Owonikoko, and to a special friend, Dr. C. Huerto.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m., on Saturday, May 23, 2020 via Zoom. Please email echepare.mccreary.little2020@gmail.com to get the meeting ID and password. Family and friends are welcome to view the service. Online condolences may be left at https://www.arbormemorial.ca/riverpark/Obituaries/luis-echepare/49277 . Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of River Park Funeral Home, (306) 764-2727, Colette Harnett, Funeral Director.

• Date : 2020-05-08
• Location : Prince Albert, SK