Alfonso Alderete Salazar, father, brother, and friend, died unexpectedly on January 26th, 2022, at the age of 57.
Al is preceded in death by his Father and Mother, Manuel and Angie Salazar.
He is survived by his children Nichole Cooley, Alexandra Halley, Danielle Stout, and Alfonso Salazar Jr; his siblings Rosemary Padilla, Joemanuel Salazar, Sylvia Thompson, Alice Salazar, Lorenzo Salazar, and Esteban Salazar; his grandchildren Aiden, Brenden, and Colten Cooley, Lilliana Halley, Bryan Ohrt, Angelita, Aubry, and Aleana Salazar, Sarah Stout, and Storey Salazar; his great-grandchildren Violet and Odin Ohrt; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Al was born in Florence, AZ on August 6th, 1964, to Manuel and Angie Salazar.
In his younger years, he participated in Little league, Football, and enjoyed terrorizing his siblings, especially while playing army.
He played trumpet in the high school band, a passion he carried into the mariachis of Arizona.
Al graduated high school in 1984 with the ambition to become a United States Marine, having already completed boot camp in his Junior year of High school.
He received an honorable discharge as a Sergeant after 6 years of service as a combat engineer.
He worked in construction, roofing, and carpentry throughout his life and eventually carried over his passion for operating heavy equipment he discovered while in the marine corp. He continued as a heavy equipment operator for 30+ years in various mines.
He also found fulfillment as a guide for Mustang Outfitters throughout Nevada.
Just as any true nomad, Al felt more at home in nature than in any building. He was content with his bedroll, tent, and fishing pole any day.
Al loved fishing, hiking, hunting, camping, backpacking, snowboarding, riding his motorcycle, and spending time with those he loved.
Al was baptized in the Catholic Church, but he later found communion with God in the cathedral of the mountain slopes.
At the end of his life, he knew he was right with his maker and found himself at peace with God.
He will be deeply missed and dearly remembered by his friends, family, and all who knew him.
A celebration of life will be held on February 19th. Details to follow in later publishing and on Facebook.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Marigold Mining and Mine Rescue and First Responders for their rapid response and diligent care.
