Victor Salas

Victor “Mario” Salas passed away on December 10, 2016, after a tough fought battle with Lymphoma. He was born in Panama on April 26, 1946 to Florence Jansen Black and Victor Salas; he was the couple’s second child following his sister, Tania. Mario and his sister moved to the US with their mother at the age of 14, when she married Jim Black, an American service man stationed in Panama. They were assigned to Fort Ord and Mario became a part of Seaside High School’s iconic first graduating class of 1965. In 1967, Mario was drafted by the US Army and sent to Vietnam. He returned in 1969 and began taking mill and cabinet classes at Hartnell College. Following his schooling, Mario began working in cabinetry and was employed by Salinas Cabinets from 1974 until 1982, following an injury. This injury became a blessing in disguise, as it led Mario to seek self-employment and relocate to his desired foothills of Sonora. In 1973, Mario married Elizabeth “Beth” Shammas, at the Presidio of Monterey and began a family together. Mario built their first house in Prunedale, and upon moving to Sonora in 1983, he built his second three-story home large enough for his growing family, as well as providing his own cabinet-making shop, Marlon Cabinets. Mario built his third and final home years later, following his divorce. Mario remained an active cabinet maker for over 30 years and took pride in his custom work. He was also an active member in his community, and was especially passionate about supporting veteran causes. Mario was a proud member of the Tuolumne County Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans (VVA 391). He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Disabled Veterans of America, and the Tuolumne County Veterans Committee, holding various positions among the groups. Additionally, Mario co-founded the VVA 391 Motorcycle Group consisting of enthusiast riders who also fundraise and support scholarships. Mario enjoyed many hobbies, including playing slow-pitch softball, making jewelry as well as leather- and bead-work, riding motorcycles, shooting black powder rifles with the Smoke Polers, and playing drums. He also enjoyed listening to live music, especially with his life-long friends, Joe Mozal and Lonnie Dickson. To his beloved family, friends, and community, Mario is best known for his generosity and kindness; always willing to lend a hand or give the tye dye shirt off his back to anyone in need. He was just as hard working as he was creative, and he took pride in everything he made. Mario’s children and grandchildren will remember his legacy of non-judgement and acceptance of all. Mario is preceded in death by his mother and sister. He is survived by children: Lorie (Severin) Thomas of Sonora, Danielle Cavin of Los Robles, Layla (Dror) Manor and Marta (Matt) Dalhamer of Pacific Grove, Jamil (Angela) Salas of Campbell, and Nicolas Salas of Salinas. He also leaves behind his loving grandchildren, niece and nephews, and girlfriend, Marie “Mimi” Bareilles. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016, at 2pm at the Tuolumne Veteran’s Memorial Hall located at 18375 Fir Ave. in Tuolumne.