Salvador Olivas Almance of Sun Valley, California passed away peacefully on August 29, 2020 while in Hospice Care at the age of 92. He leaves behind his wife, Oralia Pando Almance; their daughters, Brenda Almance-Ortiz, Norma Almance Villalobos, and Nancy Almance Steel.
Salvador was born on May 14, 1928 in Tierras Nuevas, Chihuahua, Mexico to Pedro and Petra Almance who preceded him. He grew up with 4 sisters and 2 brothers. He immigrated to the United States as a teenager with plans to volunteer to fight in World War II. Although the war ended before this became a reality it planted the seed of patriotism and civil responsibility that carried all through his life. His pride of his Mexican heritage never wavered, sharing family stories and history whenever possible. Salvador’s one true gift may have been his ability to recall things in great detail. He also often spoke of the adversities and discrimination he faced as a Mexican immigrant.
The way he died is just like he lived: with resilience and determination, he fought until his last breath. He worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad Company as a welder for 33 years. He loved to travel and chose to work for the railroad because it afforded him the opportunity to travel throughout the United States. He often spoke of his travels and people he met along the way. He was a hard worker and provider for his family.
In his 50’s, Salvador went to night school and obtained his GED. He read the newspaper daily, played the guitar, loved to sing, enjoyed documentaries and shows about history, loved learning and expanding his English vocabulary, and loved the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was also known as Dad, Tata, Grandpa, Sal, Chava, Chavita, and Viejo.
Salvador was preceded by his parents Pedro and Petra Almance, his siblings, Maria, Daniel and Isidro Almance Olivas. He is survived by his wife Oralia Pando Almance, 3 daughters: Brenda Almance-Ortiz, Norma Almance Villalobos, and Nancy Almance Steel, and 6 grandchildren: Mateo Almance Villalobos, Abigail Celeste Steel, Elena Almance Ortiz, Aidan James Steel, Max Cooper Villalobos, and Valentina Almance Ortiz. He is also survived by his sisters: Ninfa Almance Trejo, Elva Almance Sattem, and Sofia Almance.
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