Joe Gilbert Salazar

On April 22, 2017, my dad, Joe Gilbert Salazar, wish came true – he went to be with the love of his life, his wife, Cece. His heart is complete again. Dad was born on June 13, 1931, in San Antonio, TX. During his younger years, he boxed with the Golden Glove of America. Dad began working at McDonnell Douglas at their Santa Monica, CA, plant and later retired from there at the age of 62. Dad enjoyed his retirement by golfing everyday with his golf buddies. They golfed everywhere but their best memories would have to be at the Costa Mesa Country Club. He was proud to serve in the Army, traveled to Europe and always had great stories to share. Dad was a Master Mason and later became a Shriner, which kept him busy with charitable work. Dad loved having people over for a BBQ…he was a great BBQ’er.

Dear Papasito: I want to thank you and let you know you were the best dad anyone could have asked for. Thank you for all the love and support you gave me throughout the years. We laughed, cried and argued…we may have even hurt each other’s feelings but knew we could always count on each other because of the special love a father has with his daughter. You and I have been through a lot in the past and only had each other to get through during those difficult times. There are many great memories and I will always carry those with me. I will never forget the day Miller and I told you we were going to name your grandson after you, Joe - I can still see how happy and proud it made you feel. I admired you for where you came from, growing up with Grandma Salazar and your three beautiful sisters. You were loyal, a hard worker and had a generous heart – you always made sure your family was taken care of. I am so proud to call you my dad. If I ever caused your heart to hurt, I did not mean to, I know you and I only wanted the best for each other. Please know as you and mom are now together – mom working in her garden while you go and hit a quick 18 around the golf course – you will be greatly missed and a day will never go by without me thinking of you. You are now with mom, with a healthy heart and no longer in pain. You have no idea how much you were loved and how you will be missed. Amor a su hija, Cindy

Survived by his daughter, Cindy; son-in-law, Dan; grandson, Joe; granddaughters: Kari, Jodi and Ronica; sister, Jane Salazar; numerous nieces and nephews in San Antonio who he was known as their “Uncle Bebo” and family in Alaska (Rita Davila, daughter). Preceded in death by his wife, Cece Salazar; two sisters: Ester Kerr and Ruby Pena and their mom, Felice Salazar.

I would like to thank Karla, Brooke and Jamie from iCare for taking care of my dad with his daily insulin shots during the past several years and always brought him smiles. The staff at The Wellington who watched over him when I could not always be there: Jeanette, Olga, Gidey, Amelia, Shelby, Destiny, Nikki, Shay, Veronica and Tyler.

A celebration of my dad’s life will be held at a later date in CA.

Arrangements under the direction of Neptune Society - Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City, UT.