Ernest Salgado Sr.

ERNEST SALGADO, SR. October 16, 1920 - January 23, 2012 Ernest Salgado, Sr. passed into eternal life on Monday, January 23, 2012 at his home on the Soboba Indian Reservation. His wife of 60 years, Fidelia preceded him into eternal life. Mr. Salgado was born on October 16, 1920 on the Soboba Indian Reservation. He is survived by two brothers and three sisters: Henry "Sonny" Bentiste, William "Billy" Bentiste, Francis Bentiste Arres and Alice Bentiste Helms from the Soboba Indian Reservation and Nella Salgado Heredia from the Cahuilla Indian Reservation; six children, Ernie C. Salgado, Jr., (wife, Pat), Hemet, CA, Robert J. Salgado, Sr., (wife, Claudia) Soboba Indian Reservation, Richard L. Salgado, Sr., Palms Springs, CA, Lorraine "Raina" Salgado Maciel, (husband, Frank "Pancho"), Hemet, CA, Francie Salgado Diaz, Soboba Indian Reservation and Rose Salgado, Soboba Indian Reservation; 14 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great-grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces. He attended the Valle Vista Elementary School in Hemet in the last 20's and the Sherman Indian High School in Riverside and played on the school's championship baseball teams in the late 30's. Mr. Salgado was a WWII veteran serving in the U.S. Army. During WWII, he served in five major combat campaigns including the Battle of the Bulge and the invasion of Normandy. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Silver Star Medals for bravery. He was also awarded the European African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal. He was a strong advocate and supporter of the American Indian Rights and education throughout his life. As a tribal and community leader he served on the Soboba Tribal Council and was a Charter member of Ahmium Eduction, Inc., serving as the Vice-President of the Board of Directors since 1975. He was a life member of the California Indian Education Association. A Catholic Rosary will be recited at McWane Family Funeral Home in Hemet, CA at 7pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012. A Christian service will be held at 9am on Friday, February 3, 2012 at The Assembly of God Church in Valle Vista, CA followed by graveside services at the Soboba Tribal Cemetery. A traditional tribal fellowship dinner will be held at the Soboba Sport Complex after the graveside services. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of McWane Family Funeral Home