Anthony "Wonitsi" Baga
Our dearest Antone passed away Monday 8/20/18 at the age of 54. Following his battle with a long time illness.
He leaves behind his beloved wife Christina Dabney, his mother Dorean Baga, 3 daughters, Leanna, Felisha, & Echo. 3 sons, Tony III, Colin, Aaron & 1 stepson George. 4 sisters, Dena, Rosemarie, Anita, & Vera. 16 grandchildren, numerous aunts & uncles, nieces & nephews, cousins and many many friends.
He is preceded in death by his father Tony Baga, Brother Marcelino Baga & Daughter Melinda. Although his passing has left us with heavy hearts, his larger than life presence created a lifetime’s worth of everlasting & cherishing memories.
A son of a hunter, fisherman and logger, he has journeyed through the California mountains, spending most of his young life in the woods, where he played, hunted, fished, and ultimately protected, becoming a firefighter and a proud crew member of the Horseshoe Meadow Hot Shots.
In his Lemoore High School days he was a long distance runner, and a member of the Cross Country & Track teams.
Being a Tule & Tachi Yokut, he was devoted to his heritage. A drum maker and singer. He made it his duty to teach the traditional & inter tribal songs he knew to all who was willing to learn, believing he had to give it away in order to keep it. A powwow dancer for almost 40 years, his passion and love of his culture displayed in every step he took.
A gifted craftsman with leather, beads & feathers, his art in regalia making was well sought after and his work is seen and worn throughout Central California and nearby regions.
A true native to his lands, his happiness & life was most abundant when he was in his traditional elements, sweating, gathering, and creating.
His presence will be greatly missed here on earth, but his spirit will always be nearby, to ensure that our heritage remains and instilled in The Yokut he loved.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday August 28, 2018 beginning at 4:00 PM at the Santa Rosa Rancheria Gym. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday August 29, 2018 at 10:00 AM at the Santa Rosa Rancheria Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Phippsdale Funeral Chapel in Lemoore.