Posted on 02/09/2023

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Martin Raul Salazar was born in Sacramento on November 13, 1938, and grew up in the small delta town of Clarksburg. He died on January 25th, 2023 after several years of heath issues. Martin was a man with a keen mind and curious intellect. He graduated from Clarksburg High School and Sacramento City College, where he majored in Aeronautics. He then served two years in the U.S. Army while stationed at Fort Ord. He married the love of his life, Janet Turner, on February 8th, 1964, and joined the California Highway Patrol later that year. After serving two years as an officer in Concord, California, the young couple moved to Rancho Cordova where they raised their three children, Monica, Diane and Martin Anthony. Martin proudly served 27 years in the CHP, with many of those years spent assigned to the Governor's Office where he provided security and transportation for Governors Jerry Brown and George Deukmejian, plus many other dignitaries. He retired from the CHP in 1992. After retirement, Martin honed his skills golfing, playing guitar, making jewelry, and woodworking. He and Janet also traveled extensively, including trips to Spain, Greece and Istanbul. They also took frequent excursions to the California wine country, where Martin was known to appreciate a big, bold cabernet. Above all, Martin was a man deeply devoted to his family. He is survived by his wife and children, as well as five incredible grandchildren: Jamie Stephenson (Robert), Jack Higgins (Amanda), Regan Corley, Kennedy Corley, and Julian Burlando-Salazar, as well as the two newest additions, great-grandchildren Sydney and Royce Stephenson. He is also survived by his brothers Arthur and Carlos Salazar, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Fidencio and Micaela Salazar, as well as siblings Fidencio, Josephine, Clara, Fernando and Joseph Abel. Martin will be missed by many, but we find solace knowing he is at peace now. There will be a Celebration of Life on February 24th at 4:00 pm at the Rancho Cordova City Hall. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, we ask that charitable donations be made in Martin's honor to the California Association of Highway Patrolmen's Widow and Orphans Fund, or to the charity of your choice.