Salvador Cordova

Sal was raised in Mexicali with his family but left home at the age of 13 because he wasn't happy with things at home and wanted to make his own way. By hitchhiking and train hopping, he made his way to Mexico City.

Homeless, he took care of himself by doing odd jobs and eating out of garbage cans, doing what was necessary to survive and get ahead in life. On his own for three years, his mother found him in Mexico and convinced him to come home and so he did, but not for long.

By 17 years of age, he left Mexicali and headed to California in pursuit of the American Dream. He found work as a field worker and as destiny would have it, he met the love of his life, Guillermina (Guille), in the Salinas Valley while working the lettuce fields.

He noticed her naturally long eyelashes, asked her if she knew how to cook and so their relationship began.

Three days after meeting, he asked Guillermina to be his girlfriend. Having only known him three days, she told him it was too soon. He said to her, if she would say yes later, she should say yes now or risk losing him forever. And so, faced with this ultimatum, she accepted.

After establishing themselves in Greenfield, California, they began a family. Welcoming Cynthia in 1973, Sal Jr. in 1976 and years later, Daniel in 1988 and Karina in 1990.

Sal was self-taught in so many different things but became a mechanic after he took apart an engine and put it back together at the age of 18. Although he said he didn't like doing it, he was good at it. This led him to a long and successful career with Cornnuts, Inc., giving them 20 years as a Mechanic first, Shop Manager later and finally Harvesting Manager.

In his late 30s, Sal felt he was getting older and decided the Salinas Valley wind was too cold for him and this lead him to move his family to Yuma, Arizona.

In Yuma, he became a Sun Bum. He worked for Rapid Harvest for the first two years but when they wanted him to work part of the season in the Salinas Valley, he left no longer interested in leaving the Yuma weather. Sal took a job with Reddy Rents and worked for them for 22 years. The workaholic that he was, he also had his own company SS Unique Works on the side for the last ten years of his life.

Sal was a man beloved by many. He was a loving husband, father, father-in- law, grandfather and father figure to many.

He had a love of reading, music (The Beatles being his favorite of all time). He loved to tell stories and jokes and was so animated in doing so. He loved to dance. He loved to laugh.

He was a Bud Man, Budweiser being his favorite beer and barbecuing a constant love as well, barbecuing often up to four times a week. He enjoyed a good time surrounded by good people and good conversation. Sal was a generous man, always wiling to help anyone in need. He left an impression on everyone he met.

Salvador Cordova is survived by his wife of 46 years, Guillermina Cordova. His Daughter Cynthia Pajas, son-in-law Jason Pajas, grandchildren, Jason Derik and Cissy. Son Sal Cordova Jr., daughter-in-law Marilu Cordova, granddaughters Breanna and Sarah. Son Daniel Cordova. Daughter Karina Rodriguez and son-in-law Joseph Rodriguez.