• This site contains affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase after clicking a link, Poker Chip Forum may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

We lost another great member.... (1 Viewer)

Status
Not open for further replies.
I also reached out to Sal’s family, prior to reading this thread, and to summarize, his sister explained that they will be sorting out his business affairs at some point this week. They indicated that the business will cease to exist, but they know that all of his work will be a monument to his memory.

His loss deeply saddens me. He always went above and beyond to tweak artwork received to ensure they printed “just right”. Sal did many projects for me, and had produced all of my MTTD commemorative chips. (Including this years).

I wanted to recognize Sals contribution to the event by naming the Main Event Tourney in his honor. Sal’s Family gave me permission to do so.

I also think it’d be a nice gesture to forward a link to this thread to his family, so they can read the level of impact he has had on so many. Would anyone have an issue with me doing this?
 
I’d be happy knowing they read all this.

I suffered a heart attack at the start of the new year. Every doctor and specialist told me they rarely have patients as young as me in, and that my overall great health belied an almost complete arterial blockage... Dying suddenly, dying young, just doesn’t seem fair. So I fight against it and try not to be too melancholy. Others have seen much worse.

I couldn’t yet pull the trigger on a custom hybrid cash set til my tax refund came in, but Sal had me all ready to do so in a couple weeks. I was just so excited and caught up in FINALLY being in a spot to make a significant purchase. Now I’m just sick over the loss of the man and couldn’t care less about the chips. Makes me feel a stronger urge to spend some of my free time having fun, playing cards and getting to a local PCF game or two finally. And so it goes...
 
Great guy from my small interaction. He will be missed. He brought a lot to this community. Prayers for his family..
 
Trihonda said:
I also reached out to Sal’s family, prior to reading this thread, and to summarize, his sister explained that they will be sorting out his business affairs at some point this week. They indicated that the business will cease to exist, but they know that all of his work will be a monument to his memory.

His loss deeply saddens me. He always went above and beyond to tweak artwork received to ensure they printed “just right”. Sal did many projects for me, and had produced all of my MTTD commemorative chips. (Including this years).

I wanted to recognize Sals contribution to the event by naming the Main Event Tourney in his honor. Sal’s Family gave me permission to do so.

I also think it’d be a nice gesture to forward a link to this thread to his family, so they can read the level of impact he has had on so many. Would anyone have an issue with me doing this?
Click to expand...

Thanks for the update. I hope they can see how much of an impact Sal had on this community. It was due to him that my first group buy here was such an overwhelmingly positive experience. His legacy will live on across poker tables all around the world.

It would be a real bummer to forever lose all of the amazing design work Sal did. I wonder if there's any way to salvage his design files so that they can continue to be made available?
 
I was wondering like @v1pe if they would liscence the design. That way his great design work could continue as a revenue stream for his family. Nows not the time to ask of course.

I was also wondering if PCF members could send a group bouqet to the family.
 
Potsie1 said:
I live local and could collect it all and deliver it to them if needed.
Click to expand...

I really don’t know if this is even something that would have meaning. I mean, that as the family clears out all Sal’s stuff, he might just have 1000’s of old samples, chips, plaques, and stuff to clean out. Add another box of samples might be awesome, or it might be a “oh good grief”. I’d suggest we wait until things settle, maybe inquire with the family if they have any examples of Sal’s work, then inquire if they would want any?
 
Trihonda said:
I really don’t know if this is even something that would have meaning. I mean, that as the family clears out all Sal’s stuff, he might just have 1000’s of old samples, chips, plaques, and stuff to clean out. Add another box of samples might be awesome, or it might be a “oh good grief”. I’d suggest we wait until things settle, maybe inquire with the family if they have any examples of Sal’s work, then inquire if they would want any?
Click to expand...
Agreed. If there is an obituary it should also contain info on donations and so forth.
 
I hate to ask someone else to start collecting funds but I'm on the road for the next two weeks and would find it almost impossible to coordinate anything. I know Sal was instrumental in helping raise his sister as their Mom passed away when they were young(referenced on facebook). His sister Amanda likely would have had to incur all the costs for any memorial or service. I'd start by giving $100. If nobody else can do it I'll start it up in about 2 weeks. I just hate to wait that long.
 
Potsie1 said:
I hate to ask someone else to start collecting funds but I'm on the road for the next two weeks and would find it almost impossible to coordinate anything. I know Sal was instrumental in helping raise his sister as their Mom passed away when they were young(referenced on facebook). His sister Amanda likely would have had to incur all the costs for any memorial or service. I'd start by giving $100. If nobody else can do it I'll start it up in about 2 weeks. I just hate to wait that long.
Click to expand...
I'll figure it out. I set up a gofundme account. Anyone who has done this before feel free to pm me with any additional information you think I need. I will post a new thread shortly.

Here is the link for now.
https://www.gofundme.com/salvatoreapodaca
 
Hello everyone, my name is Amanda. I am Salvatore's only sister, his mother had adopted my brother (mike) and I at a very young age. I was about two weeks old, and mike was a year and a couple months. When our mom had passed is 1999, Salvatore (Sam) had a tough decision to make, to put mike and I up for adoption or take over the responsibility. Well being the AMAZING man he is he decided to go along with the adoption process. From then on it was just us three, the three amigos. Salvatore (Sam) did an amazing job at raising mike and I, he taught is everything we know.

I'll try to keep this post short and sweet, long story short Sam was very unhealthy, and hadn't been to the doctor in almost three years. He was rushed to the emergency room with complaints of the hip, after running tests, blood works, cat scans, the doctors were still unsure what the problem was. Sam was sent up to ICU to be watched over closer to run more tests and such. Long story short, both his kidneys were failing, and a cut on his leg caused an infection in his blood that kept spreading. Antibiotics weren't working, he was in bad shape. He was sedated for most of the last day since he couldn't breath on his own and had a breathing mask on, since he was not getting a lot of oxygen to the brain, whenever he did try and wake up he would be angry, confused, and in pain. We wanted him to be painless and comfortable. My brother an I decided to call all friends and family near and far to the hospital to say their goodbyes, a total of 30 people came to the hospital that night, and let him know he was loved and that mike and I would be taken care of. Just as soon as everyone was about to leave, my uncle pulled everyone together all 30 of us. Gathered around Sam and said a prayer, as soon as the prayer was over Sam woke up for the first time in almost two days. Dazed and confused, i looked him in the eyes and kept telling him I loved him, he looked me straight in the eyes and said "I love you too" and back out he went. At that time my brother Michael and I had to make the toughest decision of our life, which was to take Sal off of life support. My brother, Toby, Nikki (Sam's cousins) and I all gathered around him as his mask was taken off at 10 pm. We all kissed him, told him we loved him, and that it was okay to go. Sal took his last breath at 10:42 pm February 13th, surrounded by all his loved ones. It was very beautiful, he went on his own time, he was very comfortable and at ease.

I want to thank each and every one of you. I had no idea this form was even a thing until it was brought to my attention. My brother mike and I have read through every single one of your threads and we are so overwhelmed with the love and support. Now as for the business, old west poker supplies the family will not be taking over, but will always be a memorial of what my brother loved to do. I have made a memorial page for my brother on Facebook its under "celebrating the life of Salvatore Apodaca" please feel free to join, add others, share pictures of chips, memories or anything else that you'd like. I know my brother and i would appreciate it greatly. Also there will be no funeral for Salvatore, just a small private memorial with close family and friends. As he was cremated and his ashes will be spread with our loving mother out at the coast.

Thank you everyone, you give me the strength I need to move forward "Don't worry big guy, you taught us everything we know, We got it from here. Rest easy. I love you"
 
Preciouscheerio said:
Hello everyone, my name is Amanda. I am Salvatore's only sister, his mother had adopted my brother (mike) and I at a very young age. I was about two weeks old, and mike was a year and a couple months. When our mom had passed is 1999, Salvatore (Sam) had a tough decision to make, to put mike and I up for adoption or take over the responsibility. Well being the AMAZING man he is he decided to go along with the adoption process. From then on it was just us three, the three amigos. Salvatore (Sam) did an amazing job at raising mike and I, he taught is everything we know.

I'll try to keep this post short and sweet, long story short Sam was very unhealthy, and hadn't been to the doctor in almost three years. He was rushed to the emergency room with complaints of the hip, after running tests, blood works, cat scans, the doctors were still unsure what the problem was. Sam was sent up to ICU to be watched over closer to run more tests and such. Long story short, both his kidneys were failing, and a cut on his leg caused an infection in his blood that kept spreading. Antibiotics weren't working, he was in bad shape. He was sedated for most of the last day since he couldn't breath on his own and had a breathing mask on, since he was not getting a lot of oxygen to the brain, whenever he did try and wake up he would be angry, confused, and in pain. We wanted him to be painless and comfortable. My brother an I decided to call all friends and family near and far to the hospital to say their goodbyes, a total of 30 people came to the hospital that night, and let him know he was loved and that mike and I would be taken care of. Just as soon as everyone was about to leave, my uncle pulled everyone together all 30 of us. Gathered around Sam and said a prayer, as soon as the prayer was over Sam woke up for the first time in almost two days. Dazed and confused, i looked him in the eyes and kept telling him I loved him, he looked me straight in the eyes and said "I love you too" and back out he went. At that time my brother Michael and I had to make the toughest decision of our life, which was to take Sal off of life support. My brother, Toby, Nikki (Sam's cousins) and I all gathered around him as his mask was taken off at 10 pm. We all kissed him, told him we loved him, and that it was okay to go. Sal took his last breath at 10:42 pm February 13th, surrounded by all his loved ones. It was very beautiful, he went on his own time, he was very comfortable and at ease.

I want to thank each and every one of you. I had no idea this form was even a thing until it was brought to my attention. My brother mike and I have read through every single one of your threads and we are so overwhelmed with the love and support. Now as for the business, old west poker supplies the family will not be taking over, but will always be a memorial of what my brother loved to do. I have made a memorial page for my brother on Facebook its under "celebrating the life of Salvatore Apodaca" please feel free to join, add others, share pictures of chips, memories or anything else that you'd like. I know my brother and i would appreciate it greatly. Also there will be no funeral for Salvatore, just a small private memorial with close family and friends. As he was cremated and his ashes will be spread with our loving mother out at the coast.

Thank you everyone, you give me the strength I need to move forward "Don't worry big guy, you taught us everything we know, We got it from here. Rest easy. I love you"
Click to expand...

Beautiful post and thank you for sharing. I am the person that called you last Friday inquiring about Sal. As you can see Sal will be missed. We all loved the work that he did and we appreciated all he did for this crazy Chip collecting community. My prayers are with you and your family.

David O
 
Preciouscheerio said:
Hello everyone, my name is Amanda. I am Salvatore's only sister, his mother had adopted my brother (mike) and I at a very young age. I was about two weeks old, and mike was a year and a couple months. When our mom had passed is 1999, Salvatore (Sam) had a tough decision to make, to put mike and I up for adoption or take over the responsibility. Well being the AMAZING man he is he decided to go along with the adoption process. From then on it was just us three, the three amigos. Salvatore (Sam) did an amazing job at raising mike and I, he taught is everything we know.

I'll try to keep this post short and sweet, long story short Sam was very unhealthy, and hadn't been to the doctor in almost three years. He was rushed to the emergency room with complaints of the hip, after running tests, blood works, cat scans, the doctors were still unsure what the problem was. Sam was sent up to ICU to be watched over closer to run more tests and such. Long story short, both his kidneys were failing, and a cut on his leg caused an infection in his blood that kept spreading. Antibiotics weren't working, he was in bad shape. He was sedated for most of the last day since he couldn't breath on his own and had a breathing mask on, since he was not getting a lot of oxygen to the brain, whenever he did try and wake up he would be angry, confused, and in pain. We wanted him to be painless and comfortable. My brother an I decided to call all friends and family near and far to the hospital to say their goodbyes, a total of 30 people came to the hospital that night, and let him know he was loved and that mike and I would be taken care of. Just as soon as everyone was about to leave, my uncle pulled everyone together all 30 of us. Gathered around Sam and said a prayer, as soon as the prayer was over Sam woke up for the first time in almost two days. Dazed and confused, i looked him in the eyes and kept telling him I loved him, he looked me straight in the eyes and said "I love you too" and back out he went. At that time my brother Michael and I had to make the toughest decision of our life, which was to take Sal off of life support. My brother, Toby, Nikki (Sam's cousins) and I all gathered around him as his mask was taken off at 10 pm. We all kissed him, told him we loved him, and that it was okay to go. Sal took his last breath at 10:42 pm February 13th, surrounded by all his loved ones. It was very beautiful, he went on his own time, he was very comfortable and at ease.

I want to thank each and every one of you. I had no idea this form was even a thing until it was brought to my attention. My brother mike and I have read through every single one of your threads and we are so overwhelmed with the love and support. Now as for the business, old west poker supplies the family will not be taking over, but will always be a memorial of what my brother loved to do. I have made a memorial page for my brother on Facebook its under "celebrating the life of Salvatore Apodaca" please feel free to join, add others, share pictures of chips, memories or anything else that you'd like. I know my brother and i would appreciate it greatly. Also there will be no funeral for Salvatore, just a small private memorial with close family and friends. As he was cremated and his ashes will be spread with our loving mother out at the coast.

Thank you everyone, you give me the strength I need to move forward "Don't worry big guy, you taught us everything we know, We got it from here. Rest easy. I love you"
Click to expand...

Thank you for sharing, so sorry for your loss.
 
Thanks for sharing. Your words validates what most of us already knew, Sal was a hell of a guy and the void he will leave is huge. Prayers for you family in moving forward.
 
Since the family won't ve taking on the business, it would be great if one of the bigger vendors could buy it so that his legacy lives on, or that us as a community buy up all his remaining assests and send the proceeds to his family.
 
Services expansion for @Gear ? Already has the design skills, located in a nearby area so previous owps sub-vendors could still be used.....
 
Sounds like the family could use the money. Maybe someone in his friends or family with some time and business savvy can work out a liquidation plan that can maximize the returns on remaining inventory.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

ArielVer18
"I had a wonderful experience at the post office," said no one ever
Replies
27
Views
2K
Organista1
Organista1
PLOdonk
My First Paulson Set
Replies
28
Views
3K
Chippy18
Chippy18
Potsie1
  • Locked
Memorial Fund for Salvatore Apodaca-Old West Poker Supplies
2
Replies
31
Views
5K
Pete
Pete
David O
  • Locked
SOLD Diamond Mold Raffle - Proceeds to Sal Fundraiser - Number assigned
2
Replies
36
Views
3K
AK Chip
A
DarPodo
  • Locked
SOLD Mayfair Club Sunfly Tournament Set 43mm
Replies
9
Views
1K
DarPodo
DarPodo
Back
Top Bottom