Gil Salazar went home to be with the Lord on Dec. 11, 2008, in Oak Harbor at the age of 79 after an extended illness. He was born to Giel and Laura Salazar on Dec. 27, 1928, in Brilliant, N.M.

Gil enjoyed spending time with his family, talking about “the old days,” working in his yard, playing the guitar, playing horseshoes and bocce ball, and eating a good meal, especially one that ended in dessert. He was a very intelligent man who enjoyed learning and understanding how things work; he was mechanically inclined, and had both musical and artistic abilities. Gil was a man with a very strong work ethic, always giving every job and every task his very best. He was incredibly disciplined and persevered through all of life’s challenges. He was a good friend and neighbor. Finally, Gil was a family man: he always said his wife and children were his greatest treasures. He was a faithful provider of seven children and supported his wife and children’s decisions and celebrated their successes.

Gil is survived by his wife of 57 years, Priscilla Salazar; his seven children, their spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as follows: Gil Larry Salazar and his wife, Ginger, and their sons Christopher Salazar and Jeremy Salazar and his wife Jennifer; son Ronald Salazar and his three children: Rebecca Delgado and her husband Mike and their son Raymond, Sara Salazar and David Salazar; son Al Salazar; daughter Veronica Barlup and her husband Mark, and their two children Gina Barlup and Anthony Lopez and his wife Kimberly and their sons Gabe and Zach; daughter Rebecca Salazar; son Wayne Salazar; daughter Lorna Crandall and her husband Stephen and their daughter Hope.

Gil was the eldest of eight children and is survived by all of his siblings: Bernice Cordova, Selma Gutierrez, Eloy Salazar and his wife Dorothy, Charlie Salazar and his wife Annie, Priscilla Lincoln and her husband Chad, Nora Lucero and her fiancee Cal, and Frieda Smith. Gil is additionally survived by countless nieces and nephews, cousins, in-laws, and many dear friends, most of whom are members of Church on the Rock, where Gil faithfully attended for 16 years.

The Salazar family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff of Whidbey General Hospital Home Health Care and Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123-1718.

A memorial service will be held for Gil Salazar at Church on the Rock after the New Year.

Burley Funeral Chapel in Oak Harbor has been entrusted with arrangements.