Hesiquio "Zeke" Bañaga

Hesiquio "Zeke" Bañaga, a lifelong resident of Calipatria, California, was born on October 14, 1945, in Holtville, CA, and passed away on November 28, 2025. Zeke was a talented individual with an adventurous spirit. He enjoyed a long and fulfilling professional career working at the Imperial County Mental Health Department, from which he retired.

Zeke's life was a beautiful song. His passion for music was undeniable and his talent with the saxophone was something to behold. Along with his late brother Hector Sr., together they started a band known throughout the Imperial Valley as "The Fabulous Royals". He delighted in performing, whether it was for large audiences or simply entertaining family, and continued to play and enjoy music until recently. In the words of Plato, "Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything." And so it did for Zeke.

Zeke was a loving father, brother, and grandfather. He is survived by his daughters Yomeli and Evangelina Bañaga, and his sister Dolores Ganelon; grandchildren Joshua (Jessica), Cassidy, Jeremiah and Dominic. The news of the anticipated arrival of his first great-grandchild brought him immense joy. He was preceded in death by his parents Modesto and Maria Bañaga, sister Evangelina, brother Hector Sr., and sister-in-law Marilyn.

Services to honor Zeke's life will begin with a viewing at Frye Chapel Mortuary in Brawley, CA on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 6:00 pm PST, followed by a Rosary at 7:00 pm PST. A Mass will be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 10:00 am PST at St Patrick's Catholic Church in Calipatria, CA.