Raymond Salazar

Raymond “Ray” Salazar, a retired Los Angeles County Sherriff, and long-time resident of Nipomo, CA, passed away on July 4th, 2021 at the age of 92.  He was preceded in death by his wife Paula.   An avid fisherman, trusted mentor, devoted husband and grandfather.  Ray’s bright smile and calming voice will be missed by all.   
Ray was survived by his devoted wife Consuelo (Connie), two sons and four daughters. Son Raymond Salazar, daughter Jeanne Calderon (Robert), son Edward (Dawn), daughter Teresa Stachurski (Matthew), daughter Susan Farnsworth (Eric) , and daughter Christina Rodriguez. Ray is survived by fourteen grandchildren: Adam, Brian, Craig, Christyna, Jason, Adam, Theresa, Suzie, Zack, Becky, Julian, Savannah, Olivia, and Carly, and thirteen great-grandchildren: Alecs, Caveren, Gabe, Gwen, Maddie, Stevie, Asher, Zack, Allie, Jonah, Lily, Bobby, and Noah.
Ray was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma on June 18, 1929.  His family of nine came in one car to visit an aunt in California and never left. Eventually settling in Inglewood, Ray graduated from Leuzinger High School, where he was an excellent student and athlete.  Ray earned Varsity letters in track, swimming, and football. Upon graduation he enlisted in the Navy and served our country for four years.  After his Naval Service he worked at Douglas Aircraft for five years.  Ray began his distinguished law enforcement career with the Los Angeles County Sherriff’s Department in 1956.   The culmination of which came in 1974 when as a Detective, he was part of the original team to open the substation in his hometown of Carson, and retired in 1982.  
Ray’s commitment to service, community, faith, and volunteerism continued throughout his life. He was a Charter Member and Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council #8177, a member of Santa Maria Elks, the Santa Maria Travel Club, the Optimist Club, and as a Eucharistic Minister for St. Joseph Parish.    
The love of travel, the ocean, and outdoors continued throughout his life.  He enjoyed fishing from Baja Mexico to Morro Bay along with memorable camping trips to Lake Cachuma, Lake Lopez, Kings Canyon and the Redwoods. Ray was an avid sports fan of all Los Angeles teams; Lakers, Rams, and most of all his World Champion Dodgers. Our beloved dad, grandfather, “Tata”, “Nino”, and “Compa” will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.
Special thank you to the Staff at Primrose & Magnolia Care Homes for the excellent and loving care of Ray for the past year.  Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and to the St Jude Children’s Hospital. 
Services to be held at St. Joseph Church in Nipomo, CA.  Holy Rosary on 7/15 at 5pm, and Funeral Mass on Friday 7/16 at 10am. 

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