Obituary of SALAZAR – Socrates Cabrera

December 30, 1939 – May 4, 2011 It is with great sadness to announce that Socrates Salazar left us suddenly on Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at the age of 71 years to be reunited with his beloved late wife, Francisca (Nancy) Salazar. Socrates (known to friends as Soc) was born at Cebu City, Philippines to Guillermo and Rosalina Salazar. In Cebu City, Soc owned and operated a Volkswagen mechanic shop. He married Nancy in 1965 and their first two children were born shortly after. On July 11, 1971, Soc and Nancy brought their young family to Toronto for a better life. In 1974, the Salazars packed up the family car and drove across the country to Calgary. Soc’s skill in engines and machinery led to employment as a heavy duty mechanic with various trucking companies. In 1990, he became a journeyman mechanic with the Calgary Transit, A.T.U., Local 583 where he worked with pride until he retired in 2004. Soc was an accomplished guitarist and avid fisherman and pursued his passion for both, in his retirement. He enjoyed sharing his extensive knowledge of fishing with old and new friends alike and loved telling stories of the ones he caught and the big ones that got away. With his easy smile and friendly nature, he made many friends during his daily walks through Fish Creek Provincial Park. Soc lived in SE Calgary for his entire life in Alberta, enjoyed his community ties and felt fortunate to be surrounded by many kind neighbours. He loved tinkering with his tools and was always working on a project whether it was home improvement, woodworking, or repairing his many cars and boats. At the time of his passing, he was proudly planning a 40th anniversary celebration of our family residing in Canada. Those who know Soc will remember him as a humble man, respected for his strong work ethic, his devotion to his family and unconditional love for his grandchildren. He lived a full life that ended much too soon. Socrates is survived by his son Galileo; daughters, Cris (Rob Housman) and Mildred (Dave Nielsen); grandsons, Doran and Everett Nielsen; and granddaughters, Princesses Eliza, Rosie and Meri Housman. Socrates was predeceased by his wife Nancy. They both are missed beyond words and will remain forever in our hearts. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church (10 Prestwick Drive S.E.) on Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Soc’s memory to Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society (friendsoffishcreek.org). In living memory of Socrates Salazar, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403)243-8200.