Geno Andueza passed peacefully in the company of family and loved ones on April 1, 2025, in Bend. He was 62.

Geno was born June 8, 1962, in San Sebastian, Spain, located in the Basque region of Spain, to parents, Agustin Andueza of Lesaka, Spain, and Juanita Sanzberro of Etxalar, Spain. Geno lived his early years on a quaint “baserria” (farmhouse) in Etxalar with his parents and maternal grandparents. Life on the baserria proved idyllic for a young boy: animals like pigs, donkeys, chickens, and cows lived on the ground floor, while the family resided above; a river ran in the front, and your grandparents lived with you!

In 1963, Agustin returned to the United States to continue his work as a sheepherder and pursue US citizenship. In September of that same year, Geno’s sister Ana was born in Spain. In February 1967, the family of four embarked on a new chapter, moving to Burns. Their first home was the Plaza Hotel, one of three Basque boarding houses in Burns at the time, run by the Lete family. The Anduezas later settled in a duplex next to the Ebars, another Basque family, before finally moving into their own home near Washington Park. Geno picked up English very quickly, certainly faster than his mother, Juanita, and was therefore able to use foul language at a young age without her understanding what was being said (at least until Agustin got home!).

In June of 1968, Geno was joined by another sister, Rosie. Geno excelled as a student at Slater Elementary, Lincoln Junior High, and Burns Union High School. Growing up within the close-knit Basque community of Harney County meant weekly Sunday night dinners at the Plaza Hotel and lively annual Basque picnics at Triangle and Idlewild Parks. Geno was a talented football player who enjoyed Punt, Pass, and Kick competitions and had a deep appreciation for rock-and-roll…and he always loved a good time!

Geno graduated from the University of Oregon in 1984 and was a proud Duck fan. He made his home on a serene, wooded property in the Willamette Valley outside Eugene, until 2017. At that time, he returned to Burns to be closer to his mother. His cherished friend, Margaret Zacarias, remained a constant and comforting presence by his side until his passing.

Geno was preceded in death by his parents, Agustin in 2013 and Juanita in 2024. He is survived by his sisters, Ana and Rosie; nieces, Oyana, Maya, and Olivia; nephew, Sebastian; and many beloved cousins and friends, both in the United States and abroad.

A viewing will be held at La Follette’s Chapel on Wednesday, April 9, between 4-7 p.m., and Thursday, April 10, between 10 a.m.-noon. Geno will be remembered by a graveside blessing on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 2 p.m., at the Burns Cemetery, immediately followed by a celebration of Geno’s life at the Valley Golf Club in Hines.

In lieu of flowers, Geno requested donations be made to Doctors Without Borders, Harney County District Hospital in Burns, or St Charles Hospital in Bend, so that he could “give back to those less fortunate.