Salvador Simon Medina, 86, of Santa Maria, passed away on Sept. 11, 2024.

Sal was born in Santa Barbara. He attended Lincoln Elementary, Santa Barbara Junior High and Santa Barbara High schools.

Sal enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served two honorable terms, dedicating years of his life to serving his country.

His journey through life was a rich tapestry woven with both joys and sorrows, achievements and challenges. We honor Sal’s memory by embracing the full complexity of his story and the enduring love that remained at its core.

Throughout his life, Sal had moments of genuine care and love that touched those around him.

Sal was very involved with coaching his son’s in soccer and T-Ball. Papa was a loving grandfather.

As he grew older, he focused on imparting valuable lessons to his children, emphasizing the importance of loving, trusting, and relying on The Lord. These teachings became a cornerstone of his legacy, shaping the lives of his family members.

Sal’s children will always remember their father’s love, involvement, his value of having a strong work ethic, endurance and service.

His journey toward forgiveness and personal growth left an indelible mark on our hearts. The lessons he shared about faith and resilience will remain with us always, a testament to the positive impact he had on our lives by marked efforts to strengthen family bonds and find peace.

His life serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to make meaningful connections and leave a lasting, positive impression on those we love.

In death Sal joins his loving wife Vivian Medina, who passed away on June 17, 2024; his beloved parents Salvador, Sr. and Amada Medina; sister Kathleen McCormik (Medina); and loving grandson Daniel Medina.

Survived is Sal’s high school sweetheart and first wife Mary Alice Medina of Santa Barbara; brothers Theodore Medina (Mary) of Victorville, Mitchell Medina of Sacramento; and sisters Theresa Scott (Kenny) of Camarillo, Martha Blanck (Jim) of Oregon and Julie Olivera (Charlie) of Santa Barbara.

He leaves a legacy of amazing adult children Leona Gonzalez (Abel), Regina Medina, Pamela Avila, Nanette Medina, Salvador Simon, III (Liz), Mandy McDonald (Jeff), and Nathanael Medina (Jennifer); along with Sal’s grandchildren Christina Gonzalez (Ryan), Alanna Villanueva (Matthew), Amy Trujillo (Eric), Benjamin Badillo, Tori Badillo, Gabriel Avila (Leticia), Matthew Avila, Adam Avila, Micah Medina, Izzy Gonzales, Delilah Medina, Samantha McDonald, Joshua McDonald, Emily McDonald, Medina, Miles Medina and Ruby Medina; and great-grandchildren Jacob Gonzalez, Carmen Hagerman, Solace Villanueva, Gabriel Avila, Jr. Michael Avila, Skilah Avila, Jasmine Avila, Elizabeth Avila, and Emilee Avila.

May we remember Sal for his trust in the Lord, Psalms 91; And for the moments of love and connection he shared with those around him. As he joins Vivian (a loving mother and friend) eternally, Sal will be missed, and his memory will live on in our hearts and of those who loved him.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 14 at Calvary Chapel, 1 N. Calle Cesar Chavez, Santa Barbara.

A reception is planned following the memorial service at the Veterans Memorial Building, 112 W. Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Santa Barbara Boys and Girls Club or Hospice of Santa Barbara, in his honor.