BIDEGAIN, Fernado Miguel (Mike)

Tucson Daily Star 05/30/2010 Mike Bidegain 83, of Kearny passed away Sunday, May 23, 2010, after a valiant fight from complications suffered in car accident in January. Mike was born in Wilcox on October 26, 1926. His love of family was instilled from his Basque heritage which was a source of immense pride to him. His parents, Bernardo and Jesusa (Devignua) Bidegain, immigrated in the early 1900's. Raised to the work and lifestyle of sheep camps and the family ranch on the San Pedro river near Cascabel, gave him strong work ethics, love of livestock, and deep appreciation of the land. Given what he considered a gift, his water witching (dousing) was well known in Southern Arizona, where finding water was vital to the existence of ranching and life in Arizona's arid environment. He refused payment for this due to his belief that it was a God given gift. He and Carlotta (Scottie) Claflin were married from 1947 until 1971 during which time they raised three children. During his life he served in the U.S. Navy, ranched and farmed, worked as a district serviceman for APS, and became a successful businessman. He was also active in the community as a volunteer in Boy Scouts, 4-H, Little League, and as member of softball and bowling teams. He served as president of Lions, American Legion, IBEW and a charter member of the Elks. Mike is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, John (Rita), Joe (survived by Marge), Tex (survived by Ann), Pete (Clorene); and sisters, Mary (Dave) and Dena. He is survived by his brothers, Philip (Yetta) and Raymond (Betty); sons, Michael (Sherry), Philip (Corine); daughter, Margaret (Dan Riley, loving, supportive companion) and loving friend and companion, Wanda Tucker of 14 years; eight grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service is planned on June 5, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Kearny Elks Lodge on Airport Road. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Casa de la Luz hospice.