Governor Calvo proclaims state of mourning in honor of former Senator Dr. John Salas
Governor Eddie Baza Calvo has proclaimed a state of mourning for the island of Guam on the passing of former Senator Dr. John Camacho Salas. The former Senator passed away on January 26, 2018. Flags will be flown at half-staff until the day of his interment.
Dr. John Camacho Salas (Guampedia)
Unlike most of us, Dr. John Camacho Salas, who passed away at the Guam Memorial Hospital on Friday evening at the age of 70 left behind a concise description of his life and busy career as follows from Guampedia:
John Camacho Salas earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial education from Colorado State College in 1969. He was awarded a master of arts degree in vocational education and a PhD in technical and industrial education from the University of Connecticut in 1974. He is a 1965 graduate of Father Duenas High School, Guam.
Salas served as the deputy director of education for the Guam Department of Education, was the founding president of Guam Community College in 1977, and was the seventh president of the University of Guam in 1994. He is currently a tenured professor of International Tourism and Hospitality Management at the University of Guam, School of Business and Public Administration.
He served on various boards and commissions of the Government of Guam, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands Trusteeship, Republic of Palau Government and Federated States of Micronesia. He has also served twelve years in private enterprise as vice president of human resources for Duty Free Shoppers Limited Partnership, Micronesia Division, Sorenson Broadcasting as a talk-show host, and executive director of the Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association. Salas was also a senator in the Guam Legislature.
He is married to Leslie Goodson Salas and they have two grown children, Jason Arthur Salas and Stacy Lynne Salas.
Guampedia Entry by Dr. John Salas
Said Guam Delegate Madeleine Z. Bordallo:
“Our island has lost a great leader and I am deeply saddened by the passing of former senator, Dr. John Salas. As a two term senator and the president of the University of Guam, he championed many efforts to improve the quality of life for the people of Guam. John was a dedicated public servant and steward of education, and I join the people of Guam in honoring John’s service to our island and remembering his many contributions to our community. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Leslie, their family, and loved ones during this very difficult time.”
And Speaker of the Guam Legislature B.J. Cruz:
“On behalf of the 34th Guam Legislature, we join Guam in mourning the passing of Dr. John Salas. As a former senator, visionary educator, and public servant, John brought the gift of possibility to generations of Guam’s students. While his passing gives us cause to grieve, the impact of his life and work will survive in others.
Our thoughts and prayers are with John, his loved ones, family, and friends.”
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