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Dr. Albert Anthony Barinaga, 72, went to be with Our Lord on April 27^th, 2008 after a four-year hard fought battle with gastric cancer. 

Albert was born on April 22, 1936 to Basque immigrants Juan Barinaga and Elena Bilbao in Boise, Idaho.  Albert was the youngest of four boys.  Growing up he spent summers helping his father and brother, Jack, in the family sheep business in the mountains of Idaho.   He received his basic education at St. Joseph’s Catholic School and St. Teresa’s Academy.  He attended Boise Junior College, The College of Idaho, and The Creighton University School of Dentistry.  He graduated dental school in 1962 and practiced general dentistry serving the greater Ontario area for 38 years.

Albert married Josephine Mendazona on December 24^th, 1966.  From this union came four children.  His family was his greatest pride and joy. He cherished time spent with his beloved grandchildren, keeping up with their many activities. 

Throughout his career and life he served as a mentor and inspiration. He was a friend to many and a stranger to none.   Albert had a strong faith in God and lived his life accordingly.  He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and various professional societies and organizations.

He participated in and supported numerous Basque organizations.  He celebrated his Basque heritage and was an accomplished accordion player, playing traditional Basque music.  He was conversant in three languages and was a lifetime scholar.  He particularly enjoyed discussions of current events, finance and politics.

Albert enjoyed traveling both near and far with his wife Josephine.  He enjoyed the outdoors; boating and water-skiing at Lake Owyhee, snow-skiing and snow-sports in McCall, fishing throughout the Northwest, bird hunting, sport shooting, and his sports cars. 

Albert is survived by his wife of 41 years, Josephine, their children:  Maria (Dr. Rhett Tipton), of Fruitland, ID; Michele (Dr. Don DeLisi), of Bend, OR; Dr. John (Kim) Barinaga, of Fruitland, ID; Dr. Carmela (Dr. Ken Shirtcliff), of Bend, OR, and 12 grandchildren:  Angela, Elena, Garrett and Daniella Tipton; Sisely, Dominic, Andoni and Ysabel DeLisi; Marcus and Luke Barinaga; Gabriella and Joseph Shirtcliff.  Brothers Jack (Christine) of Payette, ID and Louis of Portland, OR; numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Nash of Portland, OR.

Special thanks to Dr. Andrew Peterson, Al’s lifelong friend and physician (You truly are the “Good Doctor”), Dr. Tony Tesnohlidek, Arlene Tacke, the wonderful staff at MSTI, Fruitland and at Holy Rosary Medical Center.

Vigil services will be held on Friday, May 2^nd at 7:00pm at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.  The funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 3^rd at 11:00am at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.  Memorials may be made in Al’s name to St. Peter Catholic School, 98 S.W. 9^th Street, Ontario, OR or the Ontario Basque Club Building Fund, PO Box 1233, Ontario, OR.