Carmelo Zamora

He was born April 7, 1936, to Eugenio and Tomasa (Zamora) Cortabitarte at Txantontorre, the family ranch in Ispaster, Spain. At the age of 18, Carmelo immigrated to the United States, leaving behind his mother, eight siblings and many friends. He was hired by Fred Brailsford and worked in the sheep industry for several years. While at Fred Brailsford's Clear Lakes Ranch, he married Florence Kay Steelsmith. Carmelo and Kay would have celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary Aug. 20, 2011. Together they had four children. While raising a family, Carmelo operated his own farm in Castleford and continued to work for other ranchers and farmers. In 1979, he began working for the Twin Falls Canal Company, where he retired after 24 years of service. Carmelo loved camping and exploring the Jarbidge and Three Creek area. He was an avid outdoorsman, hunting and fishing with his children and grandchildren, of whom he was very proud. Carmelo was very active in the lives of all of his grandchildren, teaching them about the Basque culture by playing games, dancing and singing songs. He always made time to attend their extracurricular activities. Carmelo will be deeply missed and his family will cherish all of the happy memories of their time together. Carmelo leaves behind his wife, Florence Kay Zamora; sisters, Eugenia, Juanita, Felicia and Miren all of Viscaya, Spain; nephew, Javier Zamora; children, Mary (Keven) Wonenberg, John (Jen) Zamora, Steve (Nevada) Zamora and Louis (Tera) Zamora; and seven grandchildren, who will profoundly miss their Aitxitxa. Carmelo was preceded in death by his father, mother, three brothers and one sister. A memorial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 19, at the Gooding Basque Association Center, located next to North Canyon Medical Center, 285 Euskadi Lane in Gooding. Family and friends are invited to attend a reception immediately following the service. Donations may be made to the Castleford Quick Response Unit or the Gooding Basque Association CenterCarmelo Zamora passed away Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011, at his home in Castleford, Idaho.