Steven Salway

Steven Scott Salway, a 75-year-old resident of Las Cruces, New Mexico, peacefully passed away on November 23, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. Steve was born September 16, 1946, in Allentown, Pennsylvania to Clement Salway and Kathryn Fritz Salway.

Steve graduated from Whitehall High School in Whitehall, Pennsylvania in 1964 where he excelled in many sports. He earned multiple awards and accolades in football, basketball, and baseball. He had a brief college football career at Penn State before entering the United States Army from 1967-1970. He played for the Army football team in Stuttgart, Germany. Once honorably discharged, Steve returned to Allentown where he met the love of his life, Sandra Gressler. Continuing his adventurous streak, Steve travelled two summers across Europe, including running with the bulls in Spain. He then trekked across the U.S. to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of New Mexico, where he majored in Political Science in 1973. On June 15, 1974, in Allentown, Steve married Sandra and the newlyweds packed up and headed back to New Mexico, from that union came their four beautiful children. He earned his Master of Arts, Educational Administration, from NMSU in 1977 and completed 69 credit hours towards his Doctoral degree. While earning his master's degree, he was Director of the Veterans' Education Program from 1974-1977 at NMSU and upon graduating, he became the Director of Career Services where he successfully held this position for 34 years.

Steve is a member of the Oglala Sioux tribe and prided himself on Native American rights. He was the founding member of the Tribal Voices at NMSU and a member of the American Indian Program Advisory Council. Steve was also a member to multiple educational associations.

Steve's pride and joy was his family. He was the center of their worlds and was always there to offer love, support, and guidance. His passion of sports continued throughout the years while coaching and mentoring his own children. You most often found him on a field or court, instilling hard work, dedication, and competitiveness to his kids and many young athletes. His love of basketball especially, kept him playing in Meerscheidt city leagues where he enjoyed good friends and post-game beers in the parking lot. Steve enjoyed travelling and drove his children to sporting events or driving to various states to watch his daughters play collegiate sports. As the years went by and his children grew up, he changed his role from coach to biggest fan. Steve supported his grandchildren by being in the stands and cheering them on, encouraging them to always do their best.

Steve enjoyed drinking beer and smoking cigars. You could always find Steve and Sandy at local restaurants with family or friends drinking a cold one. Steve and Sandy took vacations with friends, traveling to Alaska and Canada and often drove to California to visit his oldest daughter. Steve loved doing yard work and took great pride in his home and yard. You could always find him sitting under his big oak tree, proud of the life he built.

Steve was one-of-a-kind. He left a strong legacy of family, friends, and service. He touched the lives of many people. These lasting impressions were from friends, neighbors, co-workers, anyone he interacted with, including thousands of New Mexico State University students with co-op positions and future careers.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Deborah Jacobs. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Sandra Salway; daughters, Stacey and spouse Adam Gomez of Fontana, CA, Stephanie and spouse Derek Zamora of Las Cruces, NM, Shannon and spouse Manny Vigil of Las Cruces, NM, and his son Scott and spouse Miranda Salway of Alto, NM; and grandchildren: Ashley, Andrea, Alexia, Braeden, Amani, Ava, Takoda, Titus, Stevie Jane, and Huntley; and sisters Sherry Black Salway and Shelly Marks; and many friends.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, December 10, 2021 at 10:00 am at Getz Funeral Home Chapel.

In Lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the American Heart Association in his name.

Service Details.
Service When
Friday, December 10, 2021 10:00am
Location
Getz Funeral Home Chapel
Address
1410 E. Bowman Ave
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88001