Luis Salazar

Luis “Lou” Salazar, MSGT, Retired, United States Marine Corps, loving husband, father, and grandpa passed away on October 24, 2022, in his home in Poway, California.

Luis was born on March 31, 1930, to Carmen Garcia and Samuel Salazar. As a youth he lived at Boy’s Town in Omaha, Nebraska. Lou was an athlete and also traveled the world with the Boy’s Town Choir.  

After graduation, Lou began his career, enlisting in the USMC where he served his country for 30 years. He was a decorated combat Marine receiving the Navy Cross, Silver Star, multiple Purple Hearts, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense, Korean and Vietnam medals with stars and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm.  Lou’s words about his service to his family:

I don’t consider myself a hero—I was just doing my job as I was taught to do it. I just happened to fall into these positions—frankly I did it because I would not want for you all to experience what it’s really like to see friends die and get hurt.  And I would do it all again to keep it from you.  I love you all dearly—God blessed me by giving me you. 

Lou met the love of his life, Evelyn Skelton, in Los Angeles, CA and they wed on June 11, 1955. Lou and Evelyn would go on to have 5 daughters (aka My Little Monkeys), Evelyn, Jacqueline, Christina, Carolyn, and Sara. Lou was a devoted husband and father.  He always taught us to stand tall, work to the absolute best of our abilities, respect others and persevere. “No quitting allowed!”  He was always available, no matter what the circumstance he was there to love, support, encourage and discipline.   

Lou was an avid golfer, loved dogs, working with his hands, and being outdoors. He was an avid reader and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles. He loved sports and was a loyal fan. “His” teams were Notre Dame, St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Celtics, and the Raiders.  

Upon his retirement from the Corps, he landed a job as greenskeeper at Admiral Baker Golf Course and went on to Miramar to serve as Assistant Superintendent of Greens and Superintendent of Greens. He enjoyed being on the golf course whether for work or play and loved being with “all the guys.” Other than home, this was Lou’s happy place.

Lou was predeceased by his parents, Samuel Salazar and Carmen Garcia, a sister, Margarita, and his beloved wife, Evelyn. He is survived by his children, Evelyn Baskin, Jackie Fitzgibbons, Chris Conover, Carolyn Bigham, and Sara Salazar, their spouses Rick Baskin and Jason Bigham and grandchildren Kristen, Kathleen, Angie, Hannah, Price, Andrew, and great-grandchildren, Jayson, Jayden, Trey, Ephrance, and Laila. Lastly, his “adopted” daughter Karen Sutherin and son Sal Torres, and his great-grand dogs, Vic and Lila. 

Cherished memories of Dad: the way he loved our mom, his quick sense of humor, his playfulness, tickles, the Salazar smile frown, building projects, riding in the wheelbarrow, watching Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, 60 Minutes, and sports where he taught us all about the games, and his willingness to help anyone in need and his generosity to others. He was an extraordinary man!

The family requests that donations be made to the Shelter to Soldier (Saving Lives, Two at a Time), web address: www.sheltertosoldier.org  There will be a memorial service at Miramar National Cemetery on November 7, 2022, at 9:15AM. 

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