Juan Jose "John" Odiaga

Mass of Christian Burial for Juan Jose "John" Odiaga will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 13 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cle Elum with a potluck reception to follow at the Cle Elum Eagles. The committal service will take place Thursday, August 14 at 10:00 a.m. at Laurel Hill Memorial Park. Viewing will be from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 12 at Johnston & Williams Funeral Home in Cle Elum. The Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 12, also at the funeral home. Mr. Odiaga, 79, a longtime Cle Elum resident, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 26 at his home.

John was born on September 26, 1945 in Busturia, Spain to Jose and Felisa(Otazua) Odiaga. He spent his early years in the Basque country before coming to Cle Elum in 1963, later joined by his mother and brother, Carlos, to reunite his father who had immigrated to Cle Elum before them. He was always proud of his Basque heritage.

John worked as a shepherd after arriving here and eventually went to work in the logging industry working for the family business as well as for many local logging companies. John met his future wife, Lourdes, in 1967 and they reunited in the 1980s and were married in 1990.

After retiring John spent his time tending to his flock of sheep, gardening, and traveling. He was a devoted Tio and found joy in spending time with family and watching sports on TV. He had a special bond with his nephews Gracen, Colt, & Cruz and his niece Kaia.

John was preceded in death by his parents Jose and Felisa; his brother Carlos; and cousins Mike Odiaga and Paul Basterrechea.

John is survived by his wife Lourdes Odiaga; stepson Manolo Mus of Cle Elum; grandchildren Valeria & Dominic Mus; great-granddaughter Sophia; many Odiaga cousins, nieces, and nephews; and Jess and John Basterrechea and the Basterrechea family.

John was a well-loved and respected member of Upper Kittitas County and will be deeply missed by all of those who knew him.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Cle Elum. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnston-williams.com