It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the Gandara family says goodbye to their father, Salvidor Infante Gandara. Born August 16, 1949, he was taken peacefully on September 21, 2013 at the age of 64 after prolonged battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Guadalupe Jimenez Gandara and their five children, Jerry David Gandara (Jerilyn) of Irvine, and Salvidor Gregory Gandara (Marisol) of Alhambra, Denise Sylvia Muñoz (Gabriel) of Mission Viejo, Jennifer Ann Estell Miller (Mark) of Skokie, Illinois and Stephanie Elena Gandara (Daniel) of Lake Forest and his eight beloved Grandchildren, Catalina (18), Matthew (15), Daphne (12), Christina (11), Nicole (11), Nora (10), Bertha (4) and Delilah (1).

Salvidor was born in Casa Grande, AZ, the son of Elena Infante Garcia and Salvador Gandara. He was given the nickname "Choloy" by his family. Salvidor is survived by his five siblings Arturo Martinez, Adela Garcia, Raymond Garcia, Susie Ramirez, all of Arizona and Braulio Gandara of El Paso, Texas. He grew up in Eloy, AZ and attended Santa Cruz Valley Union High School where he met his future wife, Lupe. They married in 1969.

Salvidor was a strong man who proudly served his country. He became a United States Marine in February, 1971. He served in the Vietnam War (1971) and Desert Shield (1990). After over 20 years of service, he retired as a Master Sergeant in September of 1991. He continued his career in public service as an Orange County Probation Department for 10 years.

Not only was public service a priority to Salvidor, he also valued higher education. In 1994, he attained a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Chapman College. He continued with his education and earned his Teaching Credentials from Cal State Fullerton. Once he completed his advanced degree, he started his next career as a social studies teacher. He took pride in helping students from all types of backgrounds.

Salvidor enjoyed Mexican history and learning about his genealogy. Recently, he traveled to Mexico to learn more about his ancestry. Most remember that cooking was his passion. He experimented with a variety of cuisines and was known for his famous salsa, which he loved hot and spicy! Salvidor looked forward to his time at the beach as it brought him relaxation and peace.

Vigil services will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at McCormick And Son Mortuary. Funeral services will be held Friday, September 27, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. followed by burial services with Military Honors at El Toro Memorial Park. Please join us for a Celebration of his life at Norman P. Murray Community Center