Rooks Salter's Obituary
Rooks went to be with his Lord after a long struggle of illnesses. He is survived by his wife, Herlinda (Linda) Flores Salter and two sons, Robert Rooks Salter and David Rooks Salter, two sisters, Louise Holloway and Mary Lee Montgomery, a nephew, Malcolm Eugene Montgomery and four nieces, Tammy Anne Heaps, Camdy Anny Henegar, Patty Leann Buck and Diana Louise Holloway.
Rooks grew up in Bell Gardens with his parents and two sisters. Rooks adored his mother. He went to Suva Elementary, Bell Gardens Jr. High and Bell Gardens High School. Rooks also received an AA at ELAC in Los Angeles.
Rooks worked at Atlantic Lumber in Los Angeles, then with TubeSales and Kilsby Roberts (both metal tubing industries) until he retired.
He enjoyed his garden where he fondly remembered his beloved horticulture teacher, Mr. Miller from Bell Gardens High School. He also enjoyed sports and coached soccer for both of his sons teams, his wife’s team as well as playing the sport himself. Playing practical jokes is something Rooks enjoyed doing to his close friends and he did it with a creative flair.
Rooks had many friendships that were long lasting. He also loved meeting new people and showed such an interest that sometimes strangers would automatically open up to him with their deep innermost feelings. He truly cared about all people and lived his life to its fullest.
Rooks was diagnosed with CML (leukemia) in 1995. He went into remission several years later, but had complicated health issues after that. He fought a long, hard battle with his illness and now he is pain free and at peace.
I want to “Thank” all of the nurses at the Scripps Hospital in La Jolla ICU unit who took care of Rooks in his last days with us. I’m sure they will all remember him. He made an impression there too.
We will miss him very much.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on September 9, 2017 at Alhiser-Comer Mortuary, 225 South Broadway, Escondido, Ca 92025.
What’s your fondest memory of Rooks?
What’s a lesson you learned from Rooks?
Share a story where Rooks' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Rooks you’ll never forget.
How did Rooks make you smile?
