Born in Cuacuala, Municipio de Cuquío, Jalisco, México, Luis was the beloved son of Norcadio Salazar and Antonia Sanchez. After losing his father at a young age, he and his brothers, Rafael and Cleto (both now deceased), were raised in Guadalajara by their strong and nurturing mother.
As a young man, Luis followed opportunity northward to California’s Central Valley, where he first worked as a farm laborer. In Reedley, he met the love of his life, Patricia, and together they built a loving home and family.
Luis and Patricia raised their children—Jude, William “Bebe,” Louis, and Shelley Salazar-Flores—and he lovingly embraced Jenny, Patricia’s daughter from a previous relationship, as his own.
Determined to provide a better life, Luis founded a landscaping business, turning his natural talent into a thriving livelihood. Alongside his work, he found joy in sports. A talented baseball player in his youth, he later discovered a love for golf, achieving an incredible eight holes-in-one—a source of immense pride.
Luis’s greatest role was as family patriarch. He was his children’s loudest cheerleader and wisest coach, always present to support their endeavors. His joy only grew as he became a grandfather and great-grandfather.
He is survived by his grandchildren—Ciera Salazar, Miles Salazar, Milena Flores-Strong, Michelle Martínez, Christopher Romero, Joe Flores and Miguel Flores—and his great-grandchildren: Josiah Salazar, Evelyn Salazar, Marissa Teller, Fred Martinez, Zachary Martinez, Alyssa Romero, Chris Romero, Jacob Romero, and Joe Flores.
Luis was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia, in 2016, a loss that deeply marked him. Yet he continued to live fully—golfing, gardening, and sharing stories, laughter, and wisdom with his family.
Luis Salazar’s life was a testament to resilience, dedication, humility, and the enduring power of love. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
