Nicholas "Nick" Bernardino Salas

Nicholas Bernardino Salas, 66, born on July 30, 1959, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2026, after a courageous two-month battle following a tragic head injury at the American Legion Post 69, where he was an active member for many years.

Nick spent 25 years as a salesman at Western Building Supply, where he built a distinguished career and became a proud member of the Home Builders Association, serving as a builder liaison and on the Parade of Homes committee. He had a natural gift for connecting with people and was deeply respected in his field.

Nick was a faithful member of Calvary Church Osuna Campus, where he also attended a weekly Connect Group Bible Study. His faith was an important part of who he was and how he lived.

Outside of work, Nick lived life with a sense of adventure and joy. He had a deep love for his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and looked forward to every opportunity to hit the open road on bike runs with friends. He was also a proud and dedicated member of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta chase crew. Those who knew Nick knew that wherever there was good company, good energy, and open skies, he was not far away.

The American Legion Post 69 was like a second home to Nick. He knew everyone there and was a cherished part of the community. He was also a proud member of the Sociedad SNM de MP No. 2 for 16 years and participated in the beloved cultural tradition of the Baile de la Escoba.

Nick was a man who showed up for the people he loved — not just in the big moments, but in the quiet, consistent ways that matter most. He remembered birthdays. He made phone calls. He sent gifts. He never let the people he cared about wonder whether they were loved.

He is survived by his sons, Jonathan Salas of Bernalillo, NM (mother, Roberta Felix) and Jason Salas (Megan) of Benton, AR (mother, Angela Strand); his mother, Erlinda Salas; step-son Brian Espinosa (Amy); his sister, Juanita Trujillo (Henry); his nieces, Nicole Caudana and Natasha Wallace (Zach); his nephew, Nathaniel Trujillo (Chloe); great-niece Sofia Caudana; great-nephews Jude Wallace and Milo Caudana; step-grandsons Corey and Dylan Espinosa; and Angela Strand's children, James "Jimmy" Scoggins (Amie) of Benton, AR, and Rhonda Tanner (Tony) of Bryant, AR; Jimmy's sons, Mitchell Scoggins (Brianna) and Jake Scoggins (Kaylee); and Rhonda's children, Tanner Engledowl (Maddie) and Bailee Tanner; and his dear friend Brenda Ray. He was loved by many extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, John Salas.

A Rosary will be held at 8:00 AM on April 17, 2026, at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church (9502 4th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114), followed by Funeral Mass at 9:00 AM. Burial will follow at San Carlos Cemetery (4300 Alameda Path, Albuquerque, NM 87113). A reception will be held at Nativity Parish Hall until 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the family's GoFundMe to support his sons with funeral and memorial expenses, or Masses offered in his name.