IN MAY, 1922
Your mother dropped you off at your grandparents when you were a toddler they raised you and taught you love and the meaning of familia, through hardship, enormous social and culture challenges your grandparents Rafael and Gabriela’s home was a tamale shop by a train station in Santa Ana, California, your little familia also took in those downtrodden and in need, arriving looking for better life when you were 15 you became a bicycle mechanic then a door to door salesman, determined to rise from the barrio, but never forget your roots always the fighter
you and Abuelo and Abuela scraped and earned enough to buy a little house in the “Logan Barrio”.
IN JUNE, 1943
You joined the Airforce stationed in Chanute, Illinois working on our flying fortresses
always the fighter, now an engineer, after the war you met a beautiful girl on the beach in Newport Beach named Emiline Canchola of Costa Mesa, California, desperately trying to get her attention, she turned you down many times, but you were determined and always the fighter, she finally accepted your love.
IN SEPTEMBER 1947
You and mom married and subsequently raised two girls and two boys, Deborah Ann, Marta Sharon, Salvador Timothy and James Rafael in a house that you built in the middle of an orange grove. Your pride, joy, your obsession, our home, became a sanctuary for us all. You dived wholeheartedly into the construction business starting in the 1950’s as a building contractor. Building your empire and growing up in Casa Meraz was never boring, always under construction and being added on to, complete with water and fire features, tropical gardens, a home gym, art studio, and our own orange grove. Our casa became a rancho tiki paradise and family compound for so many fiestas and family gatherings in the subsequent decades.
Family well-being was your main focus, but boxing and mariachi music was always close to your heart. You were always laser focused on your children’s path, their journey and your six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
IN AUGUST 2005 MOM PASSED AWAY
We were beyond devastated and again you showed us the importance of being resilient, being a fighter, fight for what you believe in, work hard for familia, and those that are looked down upon, never forget, and always respect your roots, and compassion for those in need. In your own words “you can’t get this! they don’t make them like this anymore”
We raise a shot glass of tequila to you Salvador Herrera Meraz
Viva La Vida
A final blessing & interment for Salvador will take place at Westminster Memorial Park. Arrangements under the direction of Westminster Memorial Park, 14801 Beach Blvd., Westminster, CA 92683. (714) 893-2421
Services will be private due to State and Local Mandate regarding COVID-19, and only a very limited number people are permitted to attend. Sincere apologies are extended to family and friends who will not be able to attend these services. Please call for further information.
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