Bizkaia to Boise

The Memoirs of Pete T. Cenarrusa

Quane Kenyon with Pete T. Cenarrusa

Published by the Center for Basque Studies at the University of Nevada, Reno

Basque Politics Series Editor

Xabier Irujo Ametzaga

Generous financial support provided by the Government of the Basque Autonomous Community

To students of Idaho history, politics or Basque heritage, the name Pete T. Cenarrusa and the man himself are icons. The tough as nails pilot, sheep man and political infighter embodies the best of a generation - the one some call America's "Greatest Generation" - that prepared the way for Idaho's continuing transformation from a sleepy rural backwater to a state successfully blending traditional values with twenty-first century progress.

From the Preface by C. L. 'Butch' Otter, Governor of the State of Idaho

"In these pages you will get a glimpse of the Pete Cenarrusa who was a steady, consistent presence in the lives of several generations of Idahoans. You will get some perspective on the teacher, coach, legislator, house speaker, secretary of state, confidante of governors (and critic of some), touchstone for the powerful, friend of the powerless, advocate for farmers, ranchers and sheepherders, and—always—champion of the Basques.

What’s more, you will get a sense of the times in which Pete has lived, and the people, places, and causes that helped make him a patriot and statesman in two lands, half a world apart.

There is no one I know in public life who is more respected, more admired and more beloved than Pete Cenarrusa. After reading this book, I think you’ll see why."