Ygnacio "Nacho" Jesus Vejar, 61, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2012, at his home in Lompoc. Nacho was born to Ignacio and Reyna Vejar on June 8, 1951 in Colton. He grew up in Colton with his two sisters, Yolanda and Rosina. Some of his favorite childhood memories were of his travels to visit his extended family in Banamichi and Hermosillo, Mexico.

He married Irene Rooney on June 24, 1972, and built their first home in San Bernardino County, where he had begun his career as a meat cutter. Some of his favorite memories of his time there were of concert going, camping, family, and his dog, Creole, who was his faithful companion for 19 years. He loved to "name that band", and remembered them all. In 1976 Nacho and Irene moved to Santa Maria, and then shortly after, to Lompoc where they spent 35 of their 40 year marriage and raised their two daughters, Amber and Heather.

After a few years working for Scolari's Market, Nacho spent the next 24 years with the United States Penitentiary until his retirement in 2001. During his tenure he became a licensed USDA meat inspector and created a successful vocational program that trained hundreds the skill of meat cutting while providing meat to several institutions. A visit to Nacho's wasn't complete unless you scored a bag of his famous beef jerky. He earned numerous awards while with the Bureau of Prisons, including the Commissioner's Award for distinguished service. He was a member of the first USP horse patrol, and enjoyed his time on the farm.

He enjoyed camping at the beach with his family, fishing, and BBQing his famous tri-tip with friends, but many will remember him for his time spent in the front yard of his home planting and enjoying his flowers, while stopping to chat with passers-by. He was a perfectionist in so many ways and he and Irene won several beautification awards for their stunning landscaping, including the first "Joy Award" for Lompoc Valley. He was the guy that would lend you the tool you needed, and a hand to go with it. Others will remember him for his sense of humor, and whatever nickname he chose for them. Throughout his life Nacho loved a good joke and was often the life of the party.

Nacho is survived by his wife, Irene Vejar (Rooney), Lompoc; his two daughters, Amber McMurtry (Vejar), El Dorado Hills; Heather Wallace (Vejar), Lompoc, and their husbands, Steve McMurtry and Chris Wallace; his grandchildren, Layla Wallace, Lauren McMurtry, Regan McMurtry, and Barrett Wallace; his sister, Yolanda Castillo (Vejar) and her husband Dave of Yucaipa, and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ignacio and Reyna Vejar, his sister, Rosina Almirol (Vejar), his nephew Andrew Bonilla, and niece Sarah Rooney.
Visitation will be at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary Friday, July 6th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Mass will be held Saturday, July 7th at 10:00 a.m. at La Purisima Catholic Church in Lompoc, followed by interment at Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery with reception to follow. Memorial donations may be made to the COPD Foundation, 2937 SW 27th Ave, Suite 302, Miami, FL, 33133 or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be left with Starbuck-Lind funeral home.
Thank you to all who have loved and cared for him throughout his life, and especially to those who have dedicated their time to helping him over the past year in his time of greatest need.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Rev 21:4