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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
SALSMAN, Dean Willis - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dean Willis Salsman on February 8th, 2015 in Halifax. Born in Waterville, Kings County, he was the son of the late Richard and Rosa (Lightfoot) Salsman. He attended Waterville High School, and joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1942, serving on the HMCS Warrior as chief petty officer. After his discharge from the Navy in 1947, he met and married Evelyn Jones of Hantsport, who remained his beloved partner for 66 years. In 1955, Dean incorporated Parker Brothers' Limited and provided industrial painting services throughout the Atlantic provinces for the next 30 years. Dean truly left his mark on his community and his province. Between 1972 and 1978, he served as the President and CEO of Industrial Estates Ltd (IEL). His tireless work to attract industry and investment to Nova Scotia led to many successes, including the opening of Michelin plants in the province. After leaving IEL, he amalgamated his business interests under the banner of Salsman Investments. Although he sold his painting contracting business in 1984, he continued to play an active role in the business community, volunteering his time for many worthy endeavours and working well into his 80's. Dean was a good friend to many, and provided support, mentorship and valued advice to countless people over the years. He was a true gentleman, known for demonstrating the values of honesty, integrity and social responsibility throughout his life. Dean served on many boards and participated actively in many associations. He served as president of the Halifax YMCA, the Halifax Club and the Halifax-Dartmouth Construction Association of Nova Scotia. He was chairman of the board of Pine Hill Divinity Hall, the Atlantic chapter of the Young Presidents' Association and the Nova Scotia Seniors' Pharmacare Program. He served on the Board of Governors of Mount Saint Vincent University and as a director on numerous other boards, including Blue Cross Atlantic Limited, Nova Scotia Savings and Loan, Maritime Steel and Foundries, Prenor Trust Limited and the Canadian Centre for Substance Abuse. He was a member of St. Matthew's Church, Ashburn Golf Club, the Maritime Seniors Golf Association and the Saraguay Club. Dean served for many years as the Honorary Consul of the Netherlands in Halifax and in 1993 was invited to the Netherlands by Queen Beatrix, who personally inducted him as an Officer of the Order of Orange Nassau. Dean was the recipient of numerous other awards, including the YMCA "Red Triangle" award for outstanding service to the YMCA and the community, the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal and the Paul Harris Award of the Halifax Northwest Rotary Club. He was made an honorary life member of the Canadian Construction Association in 2001. Dean was a strong supporter of the arts in Nova Scotia, and a lifelong member and active supporter of the Liberal party. He was an avid gardener, a smooth and elegant dancer, a keen bridge player, and a voracious reader of financial publications. Dean loved to compete, playing hockey with the Navy, then curling, bowling, golfing and finally taking up skiing and tennis in his 60's. He was a keen fisherman, and loved his yearly salmon trips with his friends. In spite of Dean's many accomplishments and recognitions, he believed strongly in humility and charity, never seeking the spotlight or drawing attention to his good works. He was a strong supporter of local charities and with Evelyn provided support for the establishment of the first dedicated brachytherapy suite in Canada at the Nova Scotia Cancer Center in 2011. Despite all his success, his happiest times were spent with Evelyn, whether dancing, playing bridge with their large circle of friends, travelling the world or simply working in their gardens at Mason's Point and enjoying a nightly cup of mocha beside the fire. He took great joy in time spent with his children and grandchildren, providing them with support, guidance and keen advice. Dean is survived by sons Richard (Bonnie) Salsman, Halifax; Alan (June) Salsman, Paris; Robert (Nancy) Salsman, St. John's and daughter Lyn (Kevin) Waller, Halifax, by beloved grandchildren Christopher, Katherine (Martin Noel), Jamie, Alastair, Andrew, Margot, Marc, Richard, Michael, Katie, and David, and by several nieces and nephews across the country. He was predeceased by his wife the former Evelyn Jones, a brother Ken, and sisters Vera Roop, Nellie Langille, Ida Flynn, Joyce Best and Opal Robins. The family extends thanks to Dr. Terrence Higgins, Dr. Valerie Lewis, the staff at Parkland at the Gardens and Elizabeth Cameron for their compassionate care. Visitation will be held at Cruikshank's Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor St. Halifax from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm on Friday, February 13. A funeral service celebrating Dean's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 14 at St. Matthew's United Church, Reverend Betsy Hogan officiating, followed by a reception in the church hall. The interment will take place 3 p.m. at Hantsport Riverbank Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to St. Matthews United Church, Halifax NS or the IWK Foundation.
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