Gerardo Salinas

Gerardo "Gerry" Gustavo Salinas was born on August 12, 1949 in Zapata, Texas to Gustavo and Angelina Cuellar Salinas. Gerry Salinas graduated from Zapata High School in May 1967 with Honors. He then attended Texas A&M University in College Station and spent time as a member of the Corps of Cadets. He graduated in May 1971 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Gerry enlisted in the Army National Guard of Texas in May 1971 and went through basic and advanced training until December 1971. He was awarded an Honorable Discharge in May 1977. His first job was with Paul Garza & Associates in Laredo, Texas. He worked there from January 1972 until June 1976. He became a City Engineer with the City of Laredo Community Development Agency in July 1976. He resigned in December 1977 to form his first company, G.G. Salinas, Inc. Gerry had a Texas Professional Engineer's license, as well as, a Texas Registered Public Land Surveyor's license. He was a member of the Gateway Chapter of Professional Engineers where he won the 1977 "Engineer of the Year" Award. He was also a member of the American Society of Professional Engineers. Gerry served as a member of the Laredo National Bank Board of Directors. He was also involved in community work including the Zapata Optimist Club, where he served as President, as well as, Lieutenant Governor, where he presided over six area clubs. He was honored by LULAC Council 12 as a "2001 Tejano Achiever". He served as Vice President of the Laredo Builder's Association in 2002 and as President in 2003. In the early 90's, Gerry commuted between Laredo and Chicago to pursue his dream of becoming a futures trader. He served as a member and had seats at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. He was also a member of the Chicago Board of Trade, Chicago Board of Options Exchange and the Chicago Stock Exchange. Gerry had varied entrepreneurial ventures which included engineering, land surveying, land development, commercial and residential property management, ranching, home building and was an investor in several other businesses. He owned his engineering and surveying company for over 30 years. His business legacy continues on in the capable hands of two of his children, Gerardo and Sarah, his loyal and long serving office manager, Rose M. Herrera, and dedicated staff, most of which have been with the company for over ten years. His professional success allowed him to fulfill his life's passions of spending time with his family and traveling around the world. Gerry had a tremendous sense of adventure and curiosity for other cultures which led to travels to six of the seven continents. He had a vast knowledge of history and politics. He enjoyed reading, movies and sports, especially the Texas Aggies and the San Antonio Spurs. He had an incredible ability to tell stories and make others laugh. He also enjoyed dancing, fine wine and dinner conversation with friends. Gerry was passionate about the importance of family. He leaves behind a legacy of love. He married the love of his life, Frances Meyer Salinas, on April 22, 1977. Together they had three children, Alexandra Frances, Gerardo Gustavo Samuel and Sarah Allyson. He is survived by his wife and children, his son-in-law Robert Fleming, his grandson Samuel Robert Fleming, his younger sister Dahlia and brother-in-law Gilberto Gamez, his niece Ana Lisa and her husband Matthew Flores, and his Aunt Ofelia Uribe. He is further survived by many beloved friends and family. His love for life and easy laughter will be forever missed. The Salinas family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to all the medical professionals and Doctor's Hospital staff that took such good care of Gerry; particularly Dr. Eduardo Miranda and Deyanira Villareal of Superior Home Health. Visitation will take place today, Wednesday the 14th of May 2014 from 9 to 11 in the morning at Christ Church Episcopal, 2320 Lane St.; Laredo, Texas 78043. Funeral Liturgy will commence at 11 in the morning with the Rev. Paul Frey as the celebrant. The Interment and Committal service will follow at the Laredo City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you keep Gerry's memory alive by making a memorial contribution to Casa de Misericordia, 1000 Mier St.; Laredo, Texas 78040. You may extend your condolences to the family online at www: joejacksonfuneralchapels.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041, (956) 722-8850.