Javier Cano Salas, lovingly known as Harvey, entered eternal rest on October 19, 2025, at Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces, New Mexico, surrounded by his family.
Born on December 17, 1953, in Silver City, New Mexico, to Daniel and Felicitas Salas, Javier lived a life devoted to service, faith, and family.
Harvey met the love of his life, Estella Ortiz, as an infant — a friendship that grew into a lifelong love. Their bond blossomed into 53 beautiful years of marriage, three cherished children, 11 beloved grandchildren, and two precious great-granddaughters. Together, they built a home filled with faith, laughter, and endless love.
At just seventeen, he enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving his country with honor. After his military service, he began his career with the Texas New Mexico Power Company, where his dedication and kindness left a lasting mark. His passion for mentoring others led him to coach youth athletics, inspiring countless young people through patience, encouragement, and heart.
A lifelong learner, Harvey earned several degrees: Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Masters of Business Administration, and a Masters in Counseling. He followed his calling to help others by serving as a Juvenile Probation Officer, Counselor, Diagnostician, Child Psychologist, and Special Education Director — roles through which he touched the lives of many students and families with compassion and an unwavering belief in their potential.
Harvey also served his community as an Acting Judge, County Commissioner, and Board Member of the local hospital. His fairness, humility, and integrity guided his every decision.
Harvey was the storyteller of his family — the keeper of memories, humor, and heart. His stories, shared around the table or beneath a New Mexico sunset, connected generations and kept the family's history alive. Through his words, laughter, and wisdom, he reminded everyone of where they came from and how much love binds them together. He loved his desserts, never turned down a good cup of coffee, and could often be found enjoying his novellas. These small joys reflected the simple, genuine way he approached life — with gratitude, humor, and warmth.
Of all his accomplishments, his greatest joy was being a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather. His legacy of kindness, strength, and love will live on in every life he touched.
Survived by his wife Estella Salas, son Cruz (Martha),Daughter Laura, and son Javier, Chica (Joe), grandkids Cruzito, IJ, Nick (Antonette), Laurissa, Kyren, Ben (Illyana), Aaliyah, Aundrea, Valentina, Scarlett, and great-granddaughters Aspen and Hazel. His siblings Ventura (Rosie), James (Lupe), Gina (Brad), several Nieces, nephews and godchildren. He is proceeded in death by his parents Daniel and Felicitas Salas, his two brothers Daniel and Benjamin Salas, sister Coralinda, and his grandson Zackary Cruz Salas. Pallbearers: Cruzito, Nicholas, Benjamin, Kyren Salas, I.J. Nuanes and Hector Cuevas
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