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Robert Laxalt is seen at work in his home in 1994. Laxalt, famed Nevada author and brother of former U.S. Sen. Paul Laxalt, died Friday in Reno. He wrote 14 books about life in the West, Nevada and the Basque country. Photo by Associated Press

Saturday, March 24, 2001
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

Author Robert Laxalt dies, 77

Brother of a senator, son of a sheepherder knew Nevada well

CARSON CITY -- Robert Laxalt, widely considered Nevada's greatest author, died Friday in his sleep at St. Mary's Regional Medical Center in Reno.

Laxalt, 77, was the brother of former U.S. Sen. Paul Laxalt, R-Nev., and the author of 17 books, including "Sweet Promised Land," the acclaimed story of a trip he and his father took to Basque country in the 1950s.

"He was Nevada's Ernest Hemingway," state Archivist Guy Rocha said. "He was a physical man who enjoyed athletic endeavors, but he also enjoyed being an intellectual man."

"Bob was one of the finest creative writers Nevada has ever produced," said James Hulse, an author and retired history professor at the University of Nevada, Reno. "He certainly caught the spirit of the Basque people in Nevada, as well as the outdoors in general."

"Someone once said that Bob was the Basque people's literary spokesman in America," said Paul Laxalt. "But Bob's wonderful books spoke not just to Basques but to all the sons and daughters of immigrants, to those who love the American West and indeed all readers who enjoy simple but eloquent writing."

Although his brother was a governor and U.S. senator, Robert Laxalt never hesitated to express his distaste for politics, even writing "The Governor's Mansion," a scathing fictionalized account of the 1966 gubernatorial race.

"I don't like politics," he said in an interview with the Review-Journal. "I was constantly disillusioned during those years. People don't respect politicians."

In the book, he gave his assessment of what candidates must do to win elections.

"We learned that the electorate does not give a damn about issues, that a warm smile and a handshake, a good radio voice, and a television presence mean more than all the issues put together. We learned finally that there are no merits in campaigns, only show biz."

He also said a point he wanted to make with the book was that fame and celebrity are fleeting. Most Nevadans today do not remember the Laxalts.

Robert Laxalt had been a boxer as a young man. He grew up the son of immigrant parents in Carson City and later worked as a reporter for United Press International. He joined the UNR staff in 1954 and founded the University of Nevada Press in 1961.

Over the years, he also wrote special articles on Nevada and the Basque country in France and Spain for National Geographic magazine.

He lived with his wife, Joyce, in Washoe Valley, just north of Carson City. Survivors include three children, Kristin, Monique and Bruce.

Funeral arrangements are pending at Waltons Chapel of the Valley in Carson City. A spokesman said services will be private on Tuesday, but that a public memorial service will be conducted Wednesday. A time and location have not been announced.

Gov. Kenny Guinn gave his condolences to the family and hailed Laxalt as a great writer.

"His passing is a painful loss for our entire state," he said. "Frenchy's books moved and inspired all those who read them, and his dedication to his community was shown through his passion for teaching."

Laxalt burst onto the literary scene in 1957 with the publication of "Sweet Promised Land," a touching account about how his immigrant father, Dominique, yearned to return to his homeland and once there discovered he had become an American.

"His opening to `Sweet Promised Land' is absolutely terrific," said Stephen McFarlane, UNR president.

The book begins: "My father was a sheepherder, and his home was the hills."

It ends with Basque friends pleading for Dominique to return for a few more minutes conversation before he returns to the United States.

"I can't go back. It ain't my country anymore. I've lived too much in America ever to go back."

Laxalt's also wrote "A Cup of Tea in Pamplona," "The Basque Hotel" and "A Man in the Wheatfield."

Although he disliked politics, Laxalt said that in working on his brother's campaigns he came to admire suspected organized crime members like Moe Dalitz.

"When they gave you their word, it was good," he said. "The guys in the three-piece suits, the politicians, their word isn't good 24 hours."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.