46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2003

HONORING GILBERT "TALACHE" SALAZAR, THE LATE NINETEEN-YEAR STATE SENATE EMPLOYEE, ELECTION JUDGE AND GENTLEMAN.

WHEREAS, Gilbert "Talache" Salazar, a long-time resident of Santa Fe, passed away on January 15, 2003 at the age of eighty-four; and

WHEREAS, he served his country proudly in the United States army during World War II and was awarded the purple heart and bronze star; and

WHEREAS, he served as a member of the elks, eagles and masons and was a past president of the toast masters; and

WHEREAS, he dedicated thirty-one years to the state highway and transportation department as an engineer; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Salazar served the New Mexico state senate for nineteen years as an attendant; and

WHEREAS, taking pride in his work for the senate, Mr. Salazar annually before each session went with another senate attendant to Albuquerque to purchase a new suit in order to look his best for his senate service; and

WHEREAS, he served for thirty-four years as a poll watcher and presiding election judge for hundreds of statewide and Santa Fe county elections, serving at E.J. Martinez elementary school, Alameda junior high school and PERA building polling locations, among others; and

WHEREAS, he gave of himself to anyone in need, and, ever the gentleman, touched the lives of many people with his kindness and consideration; and

WHEREAS, he is survived by his son, Monty Livingston; two stepsons, David and Gilbert Leyba; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and his very special friend, David Gallegos;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that condolences be extended to the family and friends of Gilbert "Talache" Salazar, a loving and devoted New Mexican; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to his son, Marty Livingston, and other family members.