Salvador Vasquez Jr.

With deep love and profound sadness, we announce the passing of Salvador Vasquez Jr., who departed this life on July 3, 2025, in Fairview, Texas, at the age of 83. A beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, veteran, and friend, Sal lived a vibrant life full of adventure, service, and unwavering compassion.

Born on April 30, 1942, in Dallas, Texas, to Salvador and Mary Vasquez, Sal grew up surrounded by family and faith, later on attending St. Pius X Catholic Church. He graduated from Bryan Adams High School in 1961 and later attended the University of Texas at Arlington, where he studied until he was drafted into the United States Air Force.

Sal proudly served his country as a Military Police Sergeant during the Vietnam War from 1963 to 1967, a time that shaped his deep patriotism and sense of duty. His service, courage, and leadership left an indelible mark on those who served alongside him.

Following his military service, Sal found his true calling in the art of beauty and healing. A self-employed hairdresser, he owned and operated two successful salons, touching countless lives with his creativity, humor, and gift for transformation. He often said he loved to “make America beautiful”—and he truly did. Later in life, Sal expanded his gifts into hypnotherapy, helping people overcome personal challenges and embrace brighter futures with confidence and clarity.

Sal’s passion for life was boundless. He was an adventurer at heart, famously running with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain, and cycling in the grueling “Hotter’N Hell Hundred” in Wichita Falls—not once, but four times, well into his 70s. He also coached little league soccer for his beloved son Che, sharing not only skills but wisdom, joy, and unwavering support.

Sal was known for his kind heart, sharp wit, generous spirit, and thoughtful soul. Sal's generosity showed as he and Karen volunteered together twice a week at All Community Outreach in Allen. The organization supports those in need in Collin County, helping them to avoid hunger and homelessness and achieve financial security. This work was very important to Sal. Not only humble and giving he was also a man who listened deeply, spoke with purpose, and lived with integrity. His presence was a gift, and his memory will continue to inspire all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents Salvador and Mary Vasquez, his beloved son Che Vasquez, and his brother Richard Vasquez.

Sal is survived by his loving wife Karen Vasquez; stepchildren Rob and Andrea Ficken; sisters Alice Waller and Gloria Brown; brother-in-law Ronnie Waller; and many extended family members and friends whose lives were forever brightened by his light.

A celebration of Sal’s remarkable life will be held on August 1st, 2025. In honor of his legacy, the family encourages acts of kindness and adventure—because that’s how Sal lived: with heart, humor, and a fearless spirit.

May his journey onward be as full of joy as the life he lived.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that you make generous donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Sal once said that if he won the lottery, he would add a wing onto St. Jude hospital to enable them to train more physicians to treat the children in need. 

“I have lived magnificent days.” -Che Guevara, Argentine Revolutionary