Ramon Homero Salazar

April 18, 1931 - December 4, 2007

Age: 76

Residence: Windsor

Tribute: Ramon Homero Salazar was born in Laredo, Texas, to Florentino and Maria Flora (Garza) Salazar.

Mr. Salazar was a devoted, loving husband, dad, grandpa and great-grandpa. He was much admired for his kindness, strength and love that he gave everyone who had the honor to know him.

For Mr. Salazar, his wife, Ramona, and their children always came first. The Salazars made their journey from Texas to Colorado in 1964 with their five young children. They fell in love with Colorado and decided long ago that Windsor would be where they would live the rest of their lives together. Mr. Salazar took much pride in his work while his wife enjoyed staying at home to raise their children.

Mr. Salazar enjoyed farming before his employment at Monfort's in Greeley, where he worked for 30 years. He had many friends at Monfort's and worked there until his retirement. His work was never done. He loved interacting with people. During his retirement years he worked part-time as a custodian making new friends at the Hach Co. building in Loveland. His children will remember that he always arrived home from work with a huge smile and hugs and kisses for everyone.

Mr. Salazar treasured every moment of life with his wife, children, family and friends. He lived life to it fullest and greatly appreciated all of life's blessings. His heart was deeply broken by the death of his wife, Ramona, laid to rest on December 4, 2006. He enjoyed exactly one year with his children, family and friends. On December 4, 2007, Ramon was reunited with his loving wife.

The family tells the story that Ramon and Ramona met while they were still in their mothers' wombs. Florita Salazar and Aurora Cruz had a brief meeting when they were both pregnant in 1931. They met again 20 years later when Ramona brought Ramon home, accompanied by his parents, to ask for Ramona's hand in marriage. The beautiful couple was destined to be together months before their births. Ramona and Ramon were soul mates for 56 years.

Ramon and Ramona were much adored by their children. Ramon was their "ray" of light and Ramona their beautiful "rose."

"We love you, Mom and Dad, and your love will fill our hearts forever."

Mr. Salazar died Tuesday at his home.

Survivors: Three daughters, Josie G. Aragon and husband Leland of Evans, Diana Ramona Salazar and Don McKean of Loveland, and Rosalinda Salazar Wierenga and husband Jeff of Fort Collins; two sons, Raymond Gerald Salazar and Cindie Wassmer of Loveland and his former wife, Sandra Salazar, all of Greeley, and John Homer Salazar and wife Valorie of Windsor; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are a sister, Noemi S. Layton and Martin Pedraza, of Laredo; two brothers, Juan Jose Salazar and wife Carolina of Laredo and Noe Eliseo Salazar and Maria Martinez of Dilley, Texas; two special nieces and a nephew, Gloria Lujan and husband Jimmy, Diane Santillano and husband Jorge, Johnny Resendez and wife Lynn.

Predeceased: His beloved wife, Ramona Romanita M. Salazar, a son, Ramon Salazar Jr., his parents, Florentino and Flora Salazar, and an older brother, Alfredo Salazar.

Services: Recitation of the rosary: 7 p.m. Sunday at St. Mary Catholic Church, 2222 23rd Ave., Greeley. Mass of Christian Burial: 10 a.m. Monday at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 1311 3rd St., Greeley.

Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Greeley.

Visitation: 4-7 p.m. today at Stoddard Funeral Home

Notes: Contributions may be made to the Ramon H. Salazar Memorial Fund in care of Stoddard Funeral Home, 3205 28th St., Greeley, CO 80634.