Bard John Salcido, Sr.
Bard John Salcido, Sr. died on September 15, 2012.
Bard and his twin sister Berneice were born in Bakersfield, CA on December 15, 1937 to Myrtle Olson Salcido and Bard Jules Salcido. Bard graduated from Bakersfield High School in 1955 and from Bakersfield College in 1957 where he was Valedictorian. Bard entered the University of California Santa Barbara College in the fall of 1957 to study American History. He graduated with honors in 1959 and earned a Master of Arts degree in History in 1961 along with a California Secondary Teaching Credential.
Bard was the proud great-great grandson of Dolores Carrillo Covarrubias and Jose Maria Covarrubias, prominent early Santa Barbara community leaders. Growing up, Bard was steeped in the lore of the role his ancestors played in early Santa Barbara and California history. These stories had a great influence on Bard and he had a great love of history all his life.
During summer vacations from college, Bard worked as a United States Forest Service Hot Shot at Los Prietos and Mt. Pinos. He maintained a keen interest in fire fighting all his life.
Bard joined Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity at UCSBC. He enjoyed his fraternity membership all of this life. He made life-long friends while he was a collegiate chapter member and went on to serve as an alumni advisor for many years-this included serving root beer floats in his home to approximately 800 fraternity new members through the years.
Wrapped in a toga at a fraternity party, Bard met his future wife, Mary Jane Fuerst. They were married in December of 1961.
In the fall of 1961 Bard joined the early faculty of San Marcos High School where he taught history and coached sports for thirty years. He enjoyed every day of his teaching and coaching.
Bard was a long-time member of Trinity Episcopal Church where he served in various leadership roles. He served as a coach and board member of Goleta Valley South Little League and as a coach at the Goleta Boys Club. He was also a member of the Lions Club of Goleta.
The greatest joy in Bard’s life was being a father and grandfather.
His wife Mary Jane survives Bard; they traveled through life together as devoted friends. He is survived by his sons Bard Salcido Jr. (Susan) and their daughter Samantha and son Nicholas; and Mark Salcido and his daughters Nicole and Elizabeth and son Jack. His twin sister Berneice Salcido Copeland (Dempsey) and their son Craig Copeland (Jennifer) also survive.
The family (and Bard) appreciated the friendship and care that he was given by his friends and the staff at Maravilla Assisted Living Facility.
Those who wish to remember Bard may send contributions to the San Marcos High School Library at 4750 Hollister Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA 93110 or Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care at 222 East Canon Perdido, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.
A Memorial Service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1500 State Street on Saturday, October 6 at 11:00 a.m.