Salomon Cantu

January 29, 1937 - December 29, 2020

Tacoma, Washington - With profound sadness we announce the passing of Salomon Cantu, our loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Salomon was born in 1937 in Corpus Christi, Texas. He served in the United States Air Force for 20 years; while stationed in England, he met and married the love of his life, Pearl Selina.

In the 1960s Salomon was grateful to be stationed near family in Texas and England while also serving overseas. In 1969 Salomon, Pearl and their six children settled in Tacoma, and bought the house where they would raise their family and create a lifetime of memories. As their children grew he attended every wrestling match and sporting event – he had great pride for his family, always was the loudest voice cheering on his children, grandchildren and their friends.

Salomon loved to learn, he always said "you can be anything you want to be when you grow up." After retiring from the military he went on to study and receive a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and created his dream job with the WA State Employment Security Dept. He often said "when you find a job you love you'll never have to 'work' a day in your life" and was committed to sharing this philosophy across 35 years with the ESD as he supported veterans in finding their happy place working in the world. Sal worked with governors over the years, creating proclamations to provide the services and benefits our veterans deserve. He went on to create many 'Job Fairs' leading to employment for thousands of veterans.

Simply being together with Family was his favorite place to be; his warmth, infectious laughter, and sweet spirit drew others to him; he was the bright light of our world. Sharing with others brought him great joy – he loved to literally feed his family, delighting in our meals together – but even more so, he fed the hearts and souls of those around him; his heart was an infinite well of love and wisdom, pouring forth a fountain of strength, courage and so much love for us all.

He is preceded in death by his parents Salomon and Manuela B Cantu; sister, Elida; brothers, George and Ramiro.

He is survived by his loving wife Pearl Selina; children Steven, Gary, David, Marty, Angelina and Scott; 15 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; brother Frank.

We are so grateful for the great gift of Salomon's love, grateful for the gift of sharing life with him; may his wisdom, strength, courage, kindness and compassion live on through us today and always.