Francisco Salas Vasquez

Francisco (Pancho) Vasquez was born in Mexico on Oct 30,1941, and passed away in his home at Firebaugh, CA on March 23, 2025.

He leaves behind two brothers, Daniel and Emilo, along with many nieces and nephews and a host of many friends.

Pancho left his home in Mexico and came to California when he was 17 years old to work under the Bracero Program. He worked in Patterson as an agricultural worker, then in labor camps in the Patterson and Dos Palos areas. In the early 1960's he began working for labor contractor David Arredondo and took up residence at the Perez melon picking camp in Firebaugh as supervisor and head chef. After working for David Arredondo a few years Pancho spent the remainder of his working career with Perez Packing. During the summer between July and September Pancho and his assistants would feed 225 workers three meals a day. It would not be unusual for police, sheriff and highway patrol officers to stop in around noon and have some of Pancho's great cooking. After the season he would do special work in the fields for Perez Farms.

There were many occasions that the camp hosted various social, political, charity and business organization events, and since those events usually involved meals, Pancho was at the center of those events cooking. He met many influential people during those times. During the 30 plus years as cook Pancho went to the various stores in the area purchasing supplies for the camp and became very well known in Firebaugh. There are very few people in Firebaugh that don't know, or haven't heard of, "Panchito".

The friendship between the Mike Perez family with Pancho was special. Pancho was in attendance for holidays, birthdays and other special occasions. He was especially close to Mike's wife, Ann, and they could be seen traveling to the supermarket, nursery and other various locations. He will be extremely missed by the extended Perez family.

After retiring in 2015 he lived a quiet life in an apartment complex in Firebaugh. In his later years he battled a long illness, with many faithful friends stopping by to visit and check on him, before he succumbed to the illness at his home.

Pancho may be gone, but he will never be forgotten, and will be greatly missed.

According to Pancho's wishes no services will be held.

Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or your favorite charity.