Ernesto Miguel Salaz

1949 - 2024

Ernesto Miguel Salaz, 75, passed away on December 16, 2024 in El Paso, Texas. He was born to Ernesto and Feliz Salaz in Las Vegas, New Mexico. He was preceded in death by his parents, former wife, Maisie, and son Baby Miguel. He is survived by siblings Antonio (Antonia), Lydia Aguilar, Elena Gomez (Edmund), Tom, Bob, Fred (Joy), Liz McCollum, Gloria Demorrow, Rich, and Lolita, many nieces, nephews, and extended family. He attended schools in Las Vegas and Portales, New Mexico, excelling in his studies and participating in the basketball program. At sixteen he persuaded his parents to sign permission for him to enlist in the US Army. After basic training, he was deployed to Vietnam where he served for three years. He was exposed to Agent Orange which precipitated many illnesses in his future. He and Maisie married shortly after he returned to the States. He lived in San Antonio, Texas but returned to Las Vegas to attend Highlands University and earned a Bachelor of Education degree. He augmented his education at New Mexico State University and the University of New Mexico. He taught elementary school in , Clovis, Espanola, and Las Vegas. He lived in Portales temporarily and finally ended up in El Paso at the Mountain View Health and Rehabilitation Center where a fall from his wheelchair expedited his demise. Fortunately, his brother Rich and special friend Irene Chavez were with him when he passed.Ernesto was very handsome with large chestnut colored eyes and a very charming, gregarious personality. His interest in theater led him to play Man From La Mancha where he beautifully sang "Impossible Dream". He continued acting in college and other venues as well as playing guitar, much to the enjoyment of his listeners. Some of his favorites were "Judy Blue Eyes" by Stills, Nash, and Young, and songs by Joan Baez and Bob Dylan, as well as traditional Spanish New Mexico tunes. He will be missed!
His cremains will be inurned with full military honors at the Santa Fe National Cemetary on June 25 at 10:30 AM.
Thank you all for gestures of comfort and consolation.