Dr Chester Banaag was born to Dr Benjamin and Luz Banaag, born in Manila, Philippines the family decided to come back to California when Chester was only one year old. Chester grew up in Glendale and Simi Valley, California.
Blessed with many talents Chester started playing the trumpet at age 9, an instrument he introduced to both his sons Ryan and Riley, and for many years the father and sons played as a “trio” in church and other events. He also played the piano, accordion, Fugle Horn and French Horn. He loved singing with the church choir and has performed a few “Solo” numbers. As a student Chester was always a Valedictorian and was recognized for his scholastic achievements.
At the early age of 9 years old, Chester dreamed of becoming a Dentist and set-up practice in San Diego. As a child his family vacationed in San Diego, Chester fell in love with the city. He immediately moved to San Diego after completing his Dental degree from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in 1989.
In 1989 He started a practice with Dr. Richard Disraeli. Dr. Chester Roy Banaag was in private practice in the Hillcrest area for 29 years. Chester was supported by the best staff members in Ruby, Tess, Abbey, Shirley and Sig. they remained a work family and served many patients. Their dental practice was the platform to heal and maintain dental health, all through out, Chester made sure that prayer and devotion was part of their meetings and daily practice. Until he retired in 2017.
Chester is an active member of the San Diego Filipino American Seventh Day Adventist Church. Instrumental in the building of the current church. He worked with four architectural firm challenging their designs, until he found “Building Gods Way” who came up with a design to accommodate Chester’s lofty requirements. For 13 years Chester and the church fasted, prayed, held prayer vigils as they built. Located on 3602 Bonita Road, Chula Vista, the San Diego Fil-Am Seventh Day Adventist Church is a reminder of Chester’s passion and Love for God, Family and Community.
Chester is an avid traveler he takes his family traveling every year to different Countries or different places within America. Since his retirement he added travel itineraries with his wife Gemma in addition to their family trips.
Once he retired Chester was blessed to have found a new passion in Pickle Ball. Chester was instrumental in the completion of the Mackenzie Creek Park the first Pickle Ball Park in the city of Chula Vista. Chester was designated by the USA Pickle Ball Association as the Ambassador, Team Liaison for San Diego County and was being offered the West Coast Ambassador role before he fell ill. Chester was known as a “Legend” among his friends in Pickle Ball having won numerous medals during tournaments, he leaves an indelible mark among his pickle ball family and in the sports of Pickle Ball.
Chester is survived by Gemma his wife of 29 years, sons Ryan Patrick and Riley Banaag. He is also survived by siblings: Dakota Jordan Banaag, Shirley Beth & husband Darwin Weis, Kami, Nathan, Cater & Lincoln Davis (niece & nephews), Dennis Ronnie & Brenda, Chloe (Niece)Banaag & Brandon & Travis (Nephews), & Glen Neal Banaag. Chester leaves a wonderful legacy – Gone too soon but will never be forgotten.
Additionally, Beth & Oliver Serrano (Sister & Brother in Law) Risa Marie (Niece), Nathan (Nephew), Ivy and Benn Flores (Sister & Brother in law) Zachary (Nephew) are all of Chester’s family.
May the love and strength from our Lord and savior Jesus Christ be our guide. May Chester’s Memories be an encouragement and source of inspiration for all of us to follow. Chester will be waiting to see us all on that Resurrection Morning, so let us be steadfast in our faith until that glorious day.
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