Andrew "Ernie" E. Salazar

Andrew "Ernie” Salazar, 85, of Greeley Colorado went to meet the Lord on the morning of August 2, 2021, surrounded by his family after a difficult and courageous battle to regain his health. He was born in Masters, Colorado to Santos and Eutimia (Romero) Salazar on May 2, 1936. Ernie graduated from Kersey High School where he played baseball, basketball, football and track where he set the mile record. He was an excellent student and had a perfect attendance record. Ernie also attended the University of Northern Colorado. Ernie met Frances Garcia and they were married in 1956. They lived in Gilcrest, Colorado until 2005 when they moved to Greeley. Ernie worked construction and at IBM where he retired after 25 years. As a sports enthusiast and player, Ernie loved the Colorado teams. He was a fan of the Rockies, Nuggets, Broncos and CU Buffalos. He played for the Kersey Demons and ran in many 5K & 10K events where he won numerous trophies and medals. He played baseball for the Gilcrest Aztecs, Greeley Grays and other teams. He also participated in basketball city leagues. Later, Ernie played softball until the age of 83. One of his daily tasks was to check on the statistics for many of the professional players. He also followed the athletic involvement and accomplishments of family and friends; he was very proud of their participation and achievements. Ernie was a father figure to many of his nephews, friends and brothers-in-law. They held him in high esteem, and he was loved, respected and befriended by many. He was a member of Gilcrest Sacred Heart Catholic Church and later Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Greeley. Two of Ernie’s loves where gambling and gardening; he was always ready to take a trip to Blackhawk. As a gardener he planted honey dew, watermelon and cucumber; he loved to share his crop! He cleaned his mother-in-law and sister-in-law’s yards and the Sacred Heart Church lots. He was not satisfied until all the weeds were gone, and he raked them so meticulously that they looked like Zen gardens. He was also very generous, often handing out $20 to relatives for a meal, birthday or just to be kind. Ernie’s passing has left a hole in many hearts, but we believe in God who heals broken hearts. Survived by his wife of 65 years; daughter Rosary (Manual); sons Ernie Jr. (Kathy), Aaron, Robert and Efrem (Jolene); eight grandsons; one granddaughter and nine great-grandchildren. Brothers Ray and Paul sisters Julie, Josie, Margaret and Sally. Preceded in death by his parents; daughter Angela; brothers Filbert, Sociendino, Tony and Gene; sisters Portie and Patty. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00pm Wednesday, August 11 followed by at Rosary at 7:00pm at Adamson Life Celebration Home 2000 47th Ave. Greeley, CO 80634. Mass of the Christian Burial will be 11:00am at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church 2222 23rd Ave. Greeley, CO 80634, interment at Mizpah Cemetery County Road 32, Platteville, CO 80651 will follow. A reception at the Moose Lodge 3456 11th Avenue Evans, CO 80620 will be held 2:30 to 5:30pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a GoFundMe account to assist with medical bills for Ernie, https://gofund.me/d9d781e9 . Family and friend can leave condolences at AdamsonCares.com.