Christopher Salazar

Christopher Joseph Salazar, 42 of Santa Rosa, NM passed away on September 5, 2017. Chris “Flash” was born in Santa Rosa NM to Eddie and Viola Salazar on May 2, 1975. He attended school in Santa Rosa from elementary through High School. He graduated with a Bachelor’s in Exercise Science and a Masters in Arts in Human Performance and Sports from New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas NM. Also, a Bachelor’s Degree in Strength and Conditioning from Chandler – Gilbert Community College, Chandler AZ and was avidly pursuing his Doctorate. Chris worked as a Physical Education Teacher as well as Coach for Santa Rosa/Anton Chico Public Schools. He recently returned from Boston, MA where he was a Manager Administrator at Hawthorne Retirement Group, Colonial Gardens. He has a background in Hospitality with Hyatt Corporation and served as a Counselor at Upward Bound and Valmora Ranch. Chris was a Veteran of the Gulf War serving in the United States Navy, he was awarded two Medals of Conduct, two Medals for Rescue and a Top Medal I Expert Rifle and .45 Caliber Weapon. Chris is preceded in death by two uncles Rudy Salazar, Ted Sena; his grandparents Jose Ismael and Gabriela Salazar, Trinidad and Leonora Sena. Also, his child “EJ” lost en utero. Christopher is survived by a daughter Iliana Sandoval, fiancé Angel Gomez, parents Eddie and Viola Salazar, a brother Jonathan, sister Marsha and her wife Luisa Gomez, godfather Roy Gonzales and godson Sylus Storey as well as many aunts, uncles and dear friends EVERYWHERE! A rosary will be recited at 6pm Monday, September 11, 2017 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Santa Rose, New Mexico. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10am Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Military honors will follow the funeral Mass. Pallbearers will include Anthony "Tono" Moncayo, William "Wedo" Hager, Frank Flores, Joe and Sylus Storey, David Roybal, Lloyd Arellano, Bill Casaus, Steve Vigil, Roman Sandoval, and Juan Conejo. Honorary bearers will include Gary Pacheco, Mario Elevario, Leonard "Slick Rick" Chavez, David "Schmoo Dawg"Chavez, David Sena, Ted Edward Sena, Jose Apodaca, Jacob Baca, Diego "GQ" Montoya, Peter Martinez, Timothy Lopez, Clifford Wilkinson, Chris Sena, Robin Jackson, Michael Salazar, Abel Apodaca, Jose Luis Salazar, Jason Salazar, Thomas Tafoya, Robert Tafoya, Gino Perez, Ernie Romero, Fermin Gutierrez, Matt Salazar, Andres Urban, Lenny Carrasco, Moe Patel, and ALL OTHERS we may have forgotten. Chris loved and was endeared by so many. In Lieu of flowers - new or gently used sports equipment and sportswear, shoes etc. are requested and can be donated at any of the services or shipped to the Flash Foundation in care of Jeanne Bellamah Community Center – 11516 Summer Ave. N.E. Albuquerque, NM 87112. All services for Christopher have been entrusted to the Chavez Funeral Home of Santa Rosa. (575) 472-3369. To sign the guest book or place an online tribute please go to www.chavezfuneralhome.com