John Salazar, 60, died Tuesday, April 18, 2006, in Spearfish.

John was born Oct. 7, 1945, in Lavate, Colo., to Louis and Delcie (Martinez) Salazar. He came to central South Dakota following his graduation from Eagle Valley, Colo., high school in 1963.

He was married to Carol Callihan in Murdo in 1966. They lived in Murdo until 1970 when they moved to Spearfish. In 1974, the family moved to Whitewood. John and Carol had five children and were divorced in 1983.

John and Dana Taylor of Sundance were married in 1984. To this union, two children were born.

John's greatest loves were gardening, fishing, cooking, and being with his grandchildren. His life was spent at a variety of jobs, with working in the woods his favorite occupation.

Survivors include his mother, Delcie Salazar, Gypsum, Colo.; his daughters and sons-in-law, Michelle and Randy Draine, Sturgis, Edyth and Don Jennings, Presho, Patty and David Colee, Highlands Ranch, Colo., Sarah and George Meisner, Sundance; his sons, David Salazar, Highlands Ranch, Michael and Alicia Salazar, Sturgis, and Donald Salazar, Sturgis; sisters and brothers, Connie Fischer, McLaughlin, Fred Salazar, Gloria Serna, Eileen Valdez, Marie Jobbert, Charlotte Norvell, Pat Salazar, and Floyd Salazar, all of Colorado; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Danielle, Justice, Ben, Brooke, Makayla, Rebecca, Nick, Abbey, Emily, Nathan, and Marcus.

He was preceded in death by his father, Louis, his brothers, Robert and Anthony, a sister, Patricia, and his brothers-in-law, LeRoy Fischer and Jimmy Serna.

Visitation will be from noon to 9 p.m., Friday, April 21, 2006 and one hour before services Saturday at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis. Services will be at 5 p.m. Saturday, April 22, at the funeral chapel, with the Rev. Mark Fuhr officiating. A memorial has been established.