Salvador Cortez Jr.

Sue and Quintin, the wife and son of Sal Cortez, along with his sisters, Josie, Esther, Anna, Manuela and the extended Cortez family, are saddened by the passing of Salvador Cortez Jr. in a tragic cycling accident at the age of 61 on June 25, 2021.

He was born in El Paso, Texas, to Margarita Meza Ramirez and Salvador Cortez Sr. At a young age, Sal moved to King City, Calif. He attended and graduated from King City High School. He went on to play baseball on a scholarship at West Hills Community College. He then attended Cal Poly, earning a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences and a Masters in Guidance and Counseling. Sal met his future wife of 32 years, Sue, in San Luis Obispo, where they went on to marry and raise their son Quintin.

Sal was a true renaissance man both professionally and personally. He was an entrepreneur, creating many of his own businesses and working various jobs throughout his life. He found a calling in the nonprofit sector, becoming a mentor for Achievement House and later providing financial planning and retirement services for fire, police and city workers across the central coast. He had a lust for life and took pride in honest, hard work. In his free time, he challenged himself with a multitude of athletic activities, most notably completing the 2018 Tempe Ironman Triathlon.

As a long time San Luis Obispo resident, Sal took great pride in his community, family, and friends. He was an avid Cal Poly Athletics supporter and always provided those around him with a safe, loving environment to share in his exuberant light. He lived and loved intentionally, and always with an open heart. May we live our lives as selflessly and vivaciously as Sal always did.

A Graveside Service was held at 12 p.m. on Monday, July 19, 2021 at the King City District Cemetery.

For additional information, contact Eddington Funeral Services, 429 Bassett St., King City, (831) 385-5400, www.EFS-Cares.com.

Published in King City Rustler · July 20, 2021