Salvador Martinez

Salvador "Sal" Bernal Martinez, 52 of Morenci, AZ and formerly Tucson, AZ, entered into eternal rest on May 3rd. He passed away peacefully in his sleep at home. Sal was born on January 17, 1962 in Tucson to Salvador & Dora Bernal Martinez. He graduated from Pueblo High School in 1980. Right after high school Sal began a long career of driving, starting with 18-wheeler rigs that took him across much of the country. Sal's love of home and Tucson eventually brought him back to his roots. For more than 20 years, Sal worked in numerous positions at Kalil Bottling/Southwest Canning in Tucson. He met and married the love of his life Jennifer Wester. In May 2007, Sal retired from his Tucson job. He and Jennifer packed up and moved to Morenci where he went back to his driving roots, working for Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold. He loved driving the massive trucks in the haulage department. Sal loved camping, fishing and having a cold one, or two. One of his favorite things to do was go for long drives around Arizona as long as he got to be the passenger for the most part. But he knew that once the sun started to set it was his turn to take the wheel which he did with a smile and joke about how his wife was afraid to drive in the dark. Sal and Jennifer enjoyed their most recent state-wide trip just weeks ago and got to see all kinds of scenery, visit many different places, and spent some wonderful quality time together. Sal was a natural jokester and storyteller. He was the life of any party. If an event didn't start out festive, it became a party when Sal showed up. He loved to share many of the stories of the things he saw while out on the road and events in family life. Sal is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Jennifer, brother George Guerra, sister Mary Helen Martinez, nephews David & Edward Howard and great nephew Andrew Howard, brother-in-law Jack Wester, sister-in-law Joni Edgar, nephew Joshua Wester, godson Chevo (Tara) Vindiola, cousins Yolanda Carrasco and family, Norma Perez and family, Mercy Robles and family and Frances Mendoza and family. Sal is preceded in death by his parents Salvador & Dora Martinez, sister Cecelia Ramirez, parents-in-law Gerald & Joy Wester, and brothers-in-law Jarrold & Jeff Wester. A Vigil & Rosary will be held Saturday, May 10, 2014 beginning at 8:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Morenci, AZ. While everyone who knew Sal will mourn his passing, Jennifer will especially and deeply miss Sal's presence. She and their beloved hound dog "Ms. Chloe" will carry him in their hearts forever. We love you and will see you further down the road.