Rudy C. Salazar

Rudy C. Salazar, age 55, passed away on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 at his residence in Santa Rosa with his family at his side. Rudy was born September 11, 1951 in Santa Rosa to the home of Ismael and Gabriela Romero Salazar. He was reared and attended schools in Santa Rosa graduating in 1972. Rudy married Maristella Quintana in 1975 at Nuestra Senora de Refugio Catholic Church in Puerto De Luna. He worked for the City of Santa Rosa as a Parks Ranger for 23 1/2 years. Rudy was a dedicated worker, keeping the Parks clean and safe for all to enjoy. He was honored with a tree planted in his honor by the Santa Rosa Garden Club for his hard work and dedication he put into the park system. Rudy had a passion for music and was a drummer for numerous bands in Santa Rosa and even bands that were passing through and did not have enough musicians. Some of the bands that Rudy played for were the SST's, 40 Days and 40 Nights, The Vandals, Gargoyles and B. C. Sound Express. Besides his music, Rudy was an accomplished artist, his paintings and wood carvings are well known throughout Guadalupe County. He enjoyed the outdoors and everything that goes with it such as camping, hiking, fishing and gardening. He was a Scuba Diver and he along with his wife Maristella ran the Santa Rosa Dive Shop for many years. Rudy loved his El Camino and all his hard work in restoring it paid off as he brought home many awards that he received at car shows throughout the state. He was a member of St. Rose of Lima Parish, the Santa Rosa Volunteer Fire Department and the Knights of Columbus. Rudy was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He will truly be missed by his family and by the Santa Rosa Community. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Julia Sisneros, grandparents Luis and Rita Romero and his mother and father in law Patrico and Rose Quintana. Survivors include his wife Maristella of the family home in Santa Rosa, two daughters Odessa Barela and husband Matthew of Louisville, KY; Melanie Salazar of Albuquerque a his son Matthew Salazar of Santa Rosa, grandsons Aiden Salazar and Ryan Barela. Also surviving are his brothers and sisters; Roy Gonzales of Santa Rosa, Francis Murry of Albuquerque, Placido Salazar of Santa Rosa, Edward Salazar of Santa Rosa, Linda Salazar of Santa Rosa, Cathy Apodaca of Albuquerque as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in laws and a host of relatives and friends. In honoring Rudy's wishes his body will be cremated and a memorial rosary will be held Thursday, January 18, at 7:00 PM from St. Rose Church. Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, January 19, at 10:00 AM from St. Rose of Lima Parish with Father Nick Nichols officiating. Pallbearers will be his many friends and relatives. In lieu flowers contributions can be made to Rudy's family for funeral expenses. All services are entrusted to the Chavez Funeral Home of Santa Rosa.