David Salazar Ruiz Sr.

David "Yogi" Salazar Ruiz Sr., 81, passed away peacefully March 5, 2026, at home in Woodlake California after a brief illness.

He was born on February 7, 1945, in Woodlake, California, and he was the son of the late Manuel and Mary. He was raised by his grandparents, the late Angela and Juan, in Santa Paula, California.

Yogi held a variety of jobs, including school, bus driver, truck driver, concrete worker, forest department cook during fire season, but Yogi his most important and fulfilling job was being a father and grandfather. He always had an open door for his children and grandchildren. There was absolutely nothing he would not do for them. Yogi was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and uncle. He was a God-fearing man with unwavering faith. Yogi was always joking and singing silly songs, many times making up his own silly lyrics for the songs. He loved watching westerns and listening to music on volume 100. Yogi loved anything sweet, especially carrot cake, pineapple upside down cake, and double lemon cream pie for Marie Calendars. He always had Lifesavers. Yogi loved sitting on his front porch, wearing his Ray-Ban's and smoking his Camel 99s. Yogi thought he was a ladies' man, flirting with any woman. He was a loving and caring man. Those of us who had the privilege of knowing Yogi will always remember him. He will be sorely and deeply missed.

In addition to his parents and grandparents, he was proceeded in death by his wife of 45 years, Estella, his daughter, Patricia, and two granddaughters Elizabeth and Elisa a grandson Anthony, his brother Manuel, and his sister Avelina.

He has survived by four children, Angela, Mary Jo, David Jr. and JJuan, 10 grandchildren, six great grandchildren, his brother Bob, and sister Lupe.