Salvador Madrigal

For many, those words simply represent a motto of sorts. But for Salvador Madrigal, it summarized his very essence. He was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around him and always thinking before acting. He was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything he did. He was a friendly person who truly cared about those around him.

Salvador was all about family. His family came first before anything else. He was a responsible, loving father and great provider. He always planned for the future (always looking ahead so he could be financially stable). He loved barbecue’s and family gatherings at home. He was happy every time he was surrounded by his kids and wife.

Salvador was born on May 30, 1929. He first greeted the world in Azusa, California; he left back to Mexico during Mexican deportation and returned to California as a young man in 1952. He was the son of Domingo Madrigal and Juanita Arranga. He grew up in the Capital of Mexico City, Mexico and later came back to California in 1952. Salvador experienced all sorts of new things while growing up. He was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy, conscientious, responsible and punctual. These traits helped guide him throughout life’s journey.

As a young boy, Salvador was always aware of how others around him felt, and this quality served him well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, he was generally able to avoid conflicts. It seemed as if he was the family member who was always working to keep stress at bay. Preferring a quiet environment where he could concentrate, Salvador also had the ability to relate well to his family and friends. He was raised with five siblings. He had one older brother Alfonso, Alfredo, and a younger brother Pepe, and two sisters Maria Elena and Esperanza.

He was constantly involved in activities with his family. Of course, there were the typical spats while growing up, but everyone deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years.

Growing up, Salvador was one of those children who didn’t need to be in the center of a whirlwind of activity. He was content to entertain himself for the most part. He was never pushy when it came to games and other activities, but rather, he was simply able to enjoy the pure fun these could bring. In just about everything he did as a child, he was intent on pleasing both the adults and the other children around him. He took part in a number of activities as a child. Since he liked to understand the nature of things, if he got involved in something, he was fully committed.

There were several favorite pastimes that he enjoyed, particularly casino's, watching soccer, watching boxing, and as he got older he read the daily newspaper with a cup of coffee. Salvador memorable achievement included being part of the Mexican Military which he retired at 55.

Most folks would say that Salvador was shy until they got to know him. Those who were privileged to know him well learned that he was a solid, good friend. Salvador was reluctant to generalize about people, and he based his friendships on his personal experiences.

Love can’t be defined or put in a box, but must be experienced. That was absolutely true for Salvador, especially when he met Josefina Millan Rodriguez. They exchanged vows in a Church in Mazatlan, Mexico. It was as if Salvador naturally sensed his spouse’s needs, and accepted those feelings unconditionally. That was just one reason why it was fairly easy for the couple to bring their old friends together and to even make a few new ones.

Although he disliked conflict, he did not take flight from discord, but rather sought to preserve harmony even during the most trying times. This was important to him as he did his best to make everywhere they lived feel like home.

Salvador was active in the community. He was practical and grounded and based his decisions on first-hand experience. He was responsible and liked working to achieve results rather than just chattering about possibilities. Salvador was a member of several community groups. Due to his excellent organizational skills, Salvador was a welcome addition to the professional and community organizations to which he belonged. He could bring established, successful methods to the table, along with a generous helping of common sense. He was good at making and keeping schedules and never got bogged down in unnecessary details.

Salvador was a good father. He had old-fashioned parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because he trusted emotions, he was reluctant to force issues and generally used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way he seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around him, always thinking before acting. In addition, he was a master planner. No matter how hectic life around him might be, he seemed to know and keep track of everyone’s schedule. Salvador had four children, oldest son Salvador, oldest daughter Martha, middle daughter Jenny, youngest daughter Elizabeth. He would often find himself beaming with pride over some of the things his children accomplished.

Salvador worked hard to give his children a warm and nurturing environment in which to grow up.

Anyone who traveled or went on vacation with Salvador experienced smooth sailing. It was often taken for granted that he was the trip planner. He would start early and examine all of the possibilities, selecting the best and most effective options. He immensely enjoyed those family vacations.

Later on, he was also blessed with one granddaughter, Christina.

If you gave Salvador a deadline, he would meet it. At work, he was always on task. He could adhere to any assignment without hesitation and see it through to completion. His primary occupation could be described as working in construction. He was employed for Operating Engineer. During that time, Salvador excelled in working with small groups in order to complete assignments. He was able to quickly grasp ideas and organize and plan the best way to accomplish things with remarkable consistency. In addition, he was considerate when it came to listening to what others had to say. Salvador had a true gift for being able to come up with practical resolutions to difficult problems. He was often the team member who managed to put forth a win/win solution for all parties.

Salvador liked to experience things first-hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced his choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient person, he preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to enjoy his hobbies. He was content to sit quietly alone, enjoying his hobbies all by himself. In fact, he could often be found just reading about his favorite pastimes.

Salvador enjoyed all kinds of things in his life. Reading was always a much-loved activity for Salvador.

While thorough and measured in his approach to things, Salvador often liked to physically do things rather than just think about them. He was the same way with sports. He also enjoyed the statistical data and the facts behind the sports. He also enjoyed watching soccer and boxing.

An individual who respected and maintained traditional values, his faith was important to Salvador. His compassion, consideration and sympathy toward others were an outgrowth of his personal beliefs. He was a member of St. Frances of Rome Catholic Church in Azusa, California.

As Salvador looked forward to retirement, he tried his best to be well-prepared. The day finally came in 1982. He had taken the time to learn about his various options and chose his course wisely. His new life involved relocating to Azusa, California.

He managed to stay in touch with a number of his friends and to make new ones as well. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

Salvador Madrigal left us on June 16, 2011. He passed away at Foothill Presbyterian in Glendora, California. He was 82 years old. He is survived by his wife Josefina, son Salvador, daughters Martha, Jenny, and Elizabeth; granddaughter Christina; brother Alfredo, Pepe; and sister Esperanza. Services were handled by Oakdale Mortuary. Salvador was laid to rest at Oakdale Memorial Park in Glendora, California.

It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. However, Salvador was able to focus on each individual tree and tend to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Salvador was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of man to whom everyone was drawn. He was thorough and practical, and he was very literal with his words. You always knew where you stood with Salvador Madrigal. He will be missed.