On March 14, 2021 we lost our father Valentin Vargas Saldana. He was born on February 14, 1951. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who also served his country in the United States Army. He was surrounded by the warmth and love of his family on the day of departure. He was 70 years old and had great family accomplishments. He was married to his beloved wife Santos D. Saldana. They would have been married for almost 52 years. Their wedding anniversary was on May 9, 1969. Together they had six beautiful children: Julie Ann Valdez (Gregory Valdez), Valentin Saldana Jr (AKA Tito), Virginia S. Morales (Beloved Ruben Morales), Noel Saldana (Roxanne Cerna), Mark Saldana (Yvette Yolanda Saldana), and Nancy Love Saldana. He had thirty grandchildren and plenty of great grandchildren. He was the son of his beloved parents Pablo N. Saldana & Christina V. Saldana. His brothers and sisters were: beloved Paul V. Saldana, beloved Josie S. Revilla, Gino V. Saldana, beloved Anna S. Dominguez, Henry V. Saldana, beloved Rene V. Saldana, beloved Paula Saldana, beloved Jose V. Saldana, beloved Fabian V. Saldana, Rosie Saldana, Janie S. Valdez, & Patsy S. Pichardo.

Not a day goes by that we don't think of our Mom & Dad. Our Dad more than our Mom since his death is so recent. These two were our companions in life. Our go to people since some of us didn't have very many friends. Who needs friends when you can become buddies with the very two people who created you in life? Yes we had our arguments and disagreements but what parents don't with their kids? So many things to do. So many things to prepare for. A person to make a speech on behalf of our Dad without being so offending. To say the words just as he was. To explain his persona to a T. Our Dad wasn't always so pleasant and believe me he didn't have a problem displaying it. He was very outspoken with brutal honesty as his charm. Our Dad used to offer a helping hand to anyone in need. He loved fixing cars, fishing, playing dominoes, and spending time with the family. To us he was just a big ole Teddy Bear. He was harmless, loving and providing to his family in need: Broken cars, cash loans, words of advice, and his famous reverse psychology. He was not used to receiving the helping hands from anyone. He was so machismo that he was always the help for someone else.

At the end our Dad appreciated everyone who helped care for him. We've never heard him say thank you so much in all our lives. He became an emotional person without our Mom. He was so anxious to reunite with her. But he wasn't going to do it on his own time. He was brave enough to wait on God's time. We don't know how he managed to hold on so long and wait until he got home to leave. Our Dad needed to know we (his family) would be ok with his departure. With the grace of God, prayer and constant reassurance he made the transition from life to death. Death was so peaceful that day. To watch him leave with just a tear in his eye and no more fight left in him was amazing. We have never felt the work of God in such an awe… Our Dad left an amazing impact on his kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren. The instruction, lectures, and life's lessons were always so much more interesting when he told them. We are honored to have Valentin Vargas Saldana as our father, mentor and male role model in life. He will always be greatly loved and missed. On behalf of the Saldana Family we thank you and appreciate everyone in advance for the kind words and respect as well.