Gilbert Salazar "Gil"

Haslett, Michigan

Born July 7, 1936 in San Antonio, Texas to Paul and Hermina Salazar, passed away June 22, 2012 at the age of 75. Gil graduated from Eastern High School in 1956. After graduation Gil served in the U.S. Army as a specialist forth class from 1957-1960. Returning from the Army he became a Master Electrician and founded his own company, Action Electric. He was also a member of IBEW Local 665. He concluded his career as an Electrical Inspector in 2001 retiring from the state of Michigan.

Gil was a life-long participant and supporter of local sports teams in the greater Lansing area. Gil was a member of the Eastern High School Football Team and the 1955 State Champion Wrestling Team. During his baseball playing days with the Lansing City Leagues, he organized and managed several championship teams, such as the Lansing Cardinals and the Lansing Aztecs. In 2003, Gil’s 1955 Eastern High Wrestling Team was inducted to the Greater Lansing Sports Hall of Fame for their undefeated State Championship season. In 2004, Gil co-authored a book with local sports writer Noe Hernandez, titled “Lansing’s Latin American Leagues: History in the Making” documenting the impact these sports teams had in the Latino community. Throughout his life he was dedicated to helping Lansing’s youth get involved in sports programs, coaching various youth baseball, football, basketball and wrestling teams in the area. Gil was also heavily involved in coaching and encouraging his children to participate in sports. Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Maria V. Garibay and brother, Leroy. He is survived by his children, Marla (James) Salazar-Higgins, Tony Salazar and Gilbert R (Jennifer) Salazar; grandchildren, Devin, Rayna and Gilbert W. Salazar; brother, Paul Salazar and sister, Annie Veliz; special niece and caregiver, Darlena Flores and multiple nieces and nephews. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, June 28, 1:00 p.m. at St. Martha Parish, 1100 W Grand River Ave, Okemos, with Rev. Jonathan Wehrle officiating. The Rite of Committal will be held at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Lansing. The family will receive friends at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 900 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with a Rosary Service at 7 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Martha Parish in Gilbert’s memory.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.grlansing.com