Nicholas Bernardino Salas

Nicholas Bernardino Salas, 66, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2026, after a courageous two-month battle following a tragic head injury at the American Legion Post 69.

Nick spent 25 years as a salesman at Western Building Supply, where he built a distinguished career and became a proud member of the Home Builders Association, serving as a builder liaison and on the Parade of Homes committee. He had a natural gift for connecting with people and was deeply respected in his field.

Nick was a faithful member of Calvary Church Osuna Campus, where he also attended a weekly Connect Group Bible Study. His faith was an important part of who he was and how he lived.

Outside of work, Nick lived life with a sense of adventure and joy. He had a deep love for his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and looked forward to every opportunity to hit the open road on bike runs with friends. He was also a proud and dedicated member of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta chase crew. Those who knew Nick knew that wherever there was good company, good energy, and open skies, he was not far away.

Nick was a man who showed up for the people he loved — not just in the big moments, but in the quiet, consistent ways that matter most. He remembered birthdays. He made phone calls. He sent gifts. He never let the people he cared about wonder whether they were loved.

He is survived by his sons, Jonathan Salas of Bernalillo, NM (mother, Roberta Felix) and Jason Salas (Megan) of Benton, AR (mother, Angela Strand); his mother, Erlinda Salas; step-son Brian Espinosa (Amy); his sister, Juanita Trujillo (Henry); his nieces, Nicole Caudana and Natasha Wallace (Zach); his nephew, Nathaniel Trujillo (Chloe); great-niece Sofia Caudana; great-nephews Jude Wallace and Milo Caudana; step-grandsons Corey and Dylan Espinosa; and Angela Strand’s children, James “Jimmy” Scoggins (Amie) of Benton, AR, and Rhonda Tanner (Tony) of Bryant, AR; Jimmy’s sons, Mitchell Scoggins (Brianna) and Jake Scoggins (Kaylee); and Rhonda’s children, Tanner Engledowl (Maddie) and Bailee Tanner; and his dear friend, Brenda Ray. He was preceded in death by his father, John Salas.

A Rosary will be held at 8:00 AM on April 17, 2026, at Nativity, followed by Funeral Mass at 9:00 AM. Burial will follow at San Carlos Cemetery. A reception will be held at Nativity until 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the family’s GoFundMe to support his sons with funeral and memorial expenses, or Masses offered in his name.