Gilbert Abelardo Salazar

Gilbert Abelardo Salazar, 96, entered into eternal life on August 19, 2018. He was born on January 21, 1922 in Antonito, Colorado. Gilbert was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great-great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He had a very cheerful attitude and a great sense of humor. He was a generous and giving man always willing to help in any way he could. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. He exercised every morning and rode his bike daily. He loved to dance even winning dance contests with his loving wife Ruth. He was always tinkering around the house, fixing this or that and loved to work in the yard. He grew up during the depression therefore he hardly ever threw anything away. Gilbert loved God and his Catholic Faith. He attended mass every Sunday and on holidays of Obligation. He also made it a point to pray the rosary daily. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1943. He served in Germany during WWII as part of the ground troops in the 979th Military Police Aviation Unit. Upon his return home he finished his education. He married Ruth Trujillo in 1947 and they had 59 wonderful years together. In his younger years he owned a gas station, was an auto mechanic, painted cars and sold pots and pans door to door. He was also a school bus driver in the 1960’s. For part time work he drove the bus for the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. He worked for Grefco in No Agua, New Mexico and retired after 25 years. He was a retired volunteer fireman in Antonito, and was also a member of the American Legion where he served as Post Commander for a period of time. He is proceeded in death by his wife Ruth A. (Trujillo ); parents Pedro Salazar, Sr. and Deluvina Epifanis (Valdez) Salazar; brothers and sisters Pedro(Pete) Salzer, Victoria Salazar, Louisa Chavez, Leontina Anderson, Dora Beasley, Rudolph Salazar, Enedina (Nina) Salazar, Ernie Salazar.; grandchild Keven James Garcia; great grandchild Taunie Rae Snyder; great great grandchild Josiah Leo Vigil. Those who cherish and continue his memory are his beloved family; son Ronnie (Candace) Salazar, Everette, WA; daughter Janet (Roman Valdez) DuPont, Antonito, CO; son Donald Salazar, Alamosa, CO.; Martin (Maryellen) Salazar, Long Beach, CA.; Trudy (Artie Martinez)Salazar, Manassa, CO.; Leslie (Judy) Salazar, Antonito, CO.; Karma (George) Garcia, Nasellle, WA.; Lisa (John) Turnbull, Aliso Viejo, CA. Also survived by 23 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren, 13 great great grandchildren, brother Orlando Salazar and sister Freida Salazar and numerous extended family. Viewing and visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at Romero Funeral Chapel in Antonito from 1-5. A Vigil Service with Recitation of the Rosary will be held on Thursday, August 30, 2018 at 7:00 pm at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Conejos. A mass of the Resurrection will be held on Friday, August 31, 2018 at 11:00 am also at our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Conejos Church. Interment will follow at the Los Cerritos Cemetery in Manassa, CO. Arrangements have been entrusted to Romero Valley Funeral Home of Antonito.

Gilbert Abelardo Salazar

January 21, 1922 - August 19, 2018