Salvador ‘Sal’ Prieto Jr., 65 years old and a long-time resident of Aberdeen, Washington, passed away July 16, 2023, at St. Joseph Trauma Center in Tacoma, Washington, following a tragic motorcycle accident.
Sal was born on Feb. 12, 1958, in Plainview, Texas to Salvador Sr. and Olivia Garcia-Prieto. The family moved to Montesano, Washington where Sal attended high school, graduating in 1976. Sal married Kathleen “Kathi” R. Ashby on June 18, 1994, in Aberdeen, where Kathi resides at the family home.
Sal worked many years at Weyerhaeuser Pulp Mill in Cosmopolis, Washington until the mill closed its doors around 2006; he then attended Centralia College, receiving a degree in associate in arts. Sal returned to the same mill under a new company — Cosmo Specialty Fibers Inc., until his retirement. Sal was an avid motorcycle rider — an active member of R.A.R.E. (Real American Riding Enthusiast) Riding Club — that he considered his “second family” and who he loved dearly. Sal aka ‘Mr. Peebody’ enjoyed the freedom of riding with his wife Kathi aka ‘Fancy’ and all club riders — always at peace when on his bike — always happy. Sal’s other passions included many years of gold panning with a long-time close friend, Mike, water skiing and tubing, tinkering in his shop, working on cars, fishing, gardening, and tending to projects around the home. Sal really loved his family, homelife and holidays; family meant everything to him! He loved road trips with his wife Kathi to many National Parks and the Oregon Dunes where they enjoyed many family camping and quad riding trips there.
Sal was well known for his big heart and huge smile — he made friends wherever he went. Sal was a generous soul who would help anyone in need — always offering a kind and gentle hand. He was a loving support to his wife Kathi in many endeavors and always her biggest fan; they were inseparable; Sal will be truly missed by his family as well as many friends.
Salvador ‘Sal’ is survived by his longtime wife of 29 years and best friend, Kathi Prieto, his parents Salvador Sr. and Olivia Garcia-Prieto; two sons: Anton Prieto of Aberdeen and Angel Gonzales of Lacey, Lacey; his stepson Derrick Bloomstrom of Eugene, Oregon; a brother Javier Prieto (Heather) of Bellingham, Washington, a sister Mary Paniagua, of Mesquite, Texas; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild on the way, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Grays Harbor Foursquare Church in Aberdeen. A motorcycle procession will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Artic Tavern and will end at 11 a.m. at the church. All are welcome to come ride. A potluck reception will follow. Anyone is invited to bring a favorite dish to share.
To leave a memory or note of condolence for the family, please visit www.fernhillfuneral.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.
