Don Salas

Don Salas

March 25, 1930 ~ November 1, 2016

Our cherished husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully on the morning of November 1, 2016 at the George E. Wahlen Veterans Home in Ogden, Utah.  He was in the presence of his beloved and devoted family.

Don was born March 25, 1930 in McPhee, Colorado to Mariano and Florinda Padilla Salas, moving to Ogden when he was eleven years old.

Don joined the United States Marine Corps in 1948 and served during the Korean Conflict.  He was honorably discharged in 1952, returning home to marry the love he had met at the age of 14, Angelina Muniz.  Together they raised four children.

After 31 years of service with Mountain Bell, Don retired and started his own business installing telephones throughout the Wasatch Valley.  He later received a contract at H.A.F.B. which transitioned into a permanent position, training military personnel in Communications.  He subsequently retired from H.A.F.B.

Dad loved life.  Music and dancing were his staple; whether it was working in his yard or relaxing in his home.  Family came first in Dad’s life.  Our family had a patriarch with such strength and compassion that he is leaving a void that can never be filled.  Dad, your example and actions will live on forever after you are gone.

Don and his wife enjoyed travelling in their RV with the Telephone Pioneers Campers of America, cleverly named “The Rolling Phones”.  Together they spent 25 winters at their second home in Parker, Arizona.

The youngest of eight children, Don was preceded in death by four brothers and three sisters: Cecilia Nolan, Cesario Salas, Lee Salaz, Alfred Salas, Emma Casias, Frutoso Salaz, and Viola Valdez.

Don is survived by his wife of 64 years, Angelina M. Salas, who he lovingly referred to as “Friday”, and his children: Nancy (Ben) Cervantez, Linda (Clive) Stander, Russell (Wendy) Salas, and Monica (Craig) Choffel.  He also leaves behind 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Helen Salas Maestas and his  cousins that were more like siblings: Dolores Archuleta, Della Archuleta, Estelle Colt, and Alice Vieu.

The family wishes to express their gratitude for the excellent and compassionate care he received from the George E. Wahlen Veterans Home.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1100 East 5550 South, Ogden, celebrated by Father Patrick Elliott.   Family will meet with friends on Friday, November 4, 2016 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd., with a Holy Rosary at 7 p.m.  Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, 1718 Combe Road, South Ogden.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the George E. Wahlen Veterans Home, 1102 North 1200 West, Ogden, Utah  84404