Birth date: Dec 28, 1953 Death date: Oct 21, 2021
On the beautiful, clear evening of October 21, 2021, with his wife, and three of his four loving children and nephew by his side, Willy Ernesto Salinas, age 68, passed from a life and family he loved with all his heart and was reu Read Obituary
I am thankful for the opportunity I had to know Willy. My last conversation with him was a month before he died and it was great to hear his laughter again. That laughter, his positive attitude on life, and his love for the missionaries, is one of the most cherished memories of my time in Virginia. Until we meet again, my friend. - Quesadilla
I remember bringing the sacrament to Willy each Sunday while he was recovering from the surgery for his transplant. I was about 12 or 13. We would sit and visit with him for a little while each week and I just remember being so amazed by his positivity and humility as a couple kids who could barely tie their own ties came to administer the sacrament to him. About 7-8 years later after I returned from my mission, he stopped me in the library in church, we got talking and he told me story after story. All in Spanish. He was so excited that I could fully understand him, I missed all of 2nd hour. I didn’t know him as well as I’d hoped, but I’ll never forget him.
I studied with Willy at Jose Faustino Sanchez Carrion University in Peru. I met with him one day at Springfield Virginia perhaps 26 years ago. We remembered our years at school and we never saw each other again. We kept our communication by facebook and whatsup with our school friends until we find out about your passing. We will keep in our heart. Now you are with our God and enjoying the paradise. Rest in peace my friend
Willy is definitely one of my favorite neighbors. He radiates love to everyone and, as we all know, regularly shared the Savior’s love with all of us. While his passing leaves a big hole in our neighborhood and elders quorum, I smile when I think of him being the same person in heaven as he was here and talking to everyone he can, still sharing the Savior’s love to everyone. Until we see you again, Willy! And many prayers of peace and moments of joy for your family as they look forward to being with you again.
Brothers forever,
Bryce McConkie
The thing I remember most about Willy from the first time I saw him was his smile. He had a magnetic personality that would cheer up and melt an iceberg. Always a friend. Gerald Henrie
I spent a few special hours working with Willy as the ward employment specialist before he became a bus driver. I shall never forget the feeling I had being with him. He was so humble and knew who he was. God bless Christina and your family. Dee Jones
We will long remember Willy's strong testimony of Jesus Christ which he frequently and easily bore. .His smile radiated from his sparkling dark eyes. We loved living near him and enjoying him during the past 4 years.
Christina and family, I'm so very sorry for Willy's passing. He is gone too soon! He was a light to all who knew him and I know he loves you, his family, fiercely. Willy was always so happy, I don't think I ever saw him in a bad mood, at least I don't remember it. I know the void you will feel with his departure will be huge, but I hope that even in that void you know he is watching over you with other loved ones from above. He was and is very proud of you all and he'll miss you as much as you miss him. His love is eternal and I know you'll be with him again someday. Sending you love and hugs! Heidi VW
Willy will be an amazing missionary in the Spirit World! His enthusiasm and energy are boundless. One of the people I most loved from serving my mission in Arlington, VA. I remember my first few months there, we lived only a couple blocks from this giant of a man, and would often ride our bikes over to partake of his bigger than life personality. He would shout down to us from his second story apartment window, and invite us in. Of all the people I met on my mission, Willy stands out in his own class. I can say with absoluteness that all the missionaries from that era love him.
