Captain Roger Evans Salisbury, “Snake,” flew west on June 3, 2020. The sun was shining over Hayden Lake, he was home with family and the stock market was high! We’re sure he planned it that way. He fought a valiant battle with cancer and had a strong will to live. He was a trooper to the end.
A little history… Roger was born in Spokane, Wash. on Aug. 4, 1936, and attended Lewis and Clark High School. He graduated from the Citadel Military College in 1958. He married his college sweetheart, Sharon Eleanor Helander, and they had three children. He was in the Navy for 26 years as a helicopter anti-submarine pilot. He was also a career commercial airline pilot for Hughes AirWest, Republic Airlines and Continental Airlines.
During retirement, he enjoyed visiting friends and family near and far, volunteering, golfing, boating, riding Harleys and keeping in touch with classmates and lifelong Navy and Airline friends.
Roger had a sarcastic wit and a great sense of humor. When he entered a room, people gravitated to him. He was a man’s man, with his deep, gravely voice and commanding presence. But under that tough exterior, he had a huge heart. He loved babies, parades, music, horses, good jokes, open roads and sunrises over Hayden Lake. He gave freely to numerous charities and always helped others in need. He was a member of the Eagles Club in Hayden and the Harley Owners Group (HOG) of San Mateo, Calif. There is so much more we could say. He was larger than life in our eyes. We miss him greatly.
He was a loving father and is survived by his three children, Kimberly Salisbury, Santa Cruz, Calif., David Salisbury, Port Townsend, Wash. and Katherine Busche, San Jose, Calif. He is also survived by three beautiful grandchildren, Jamin Laney (Nicole), Seaside, Calif., Emily Busche, Santa Cruz and Claire Busche, San Jose; five great-grandchildren (Jamin and Nicole’s); four nephews and many more family members and friends, who he cherished dearly.
He was preceded by his beloved parents, Harold and Louise Salisbury; his sister, Patricia Bauer; and his brother, James Salisbury, all of Spokane.
We’re certain he’s flying high in the wild blue yonder, with golf clubs in hand and reunited with his wonderful friends and family members.
Memorial service is to be held at a later date. Please email: [email protected] for more info.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in his name to Hospice of North Idaho, 2290 W. Prairie Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815.
With Love,
Kim, David, & Katie
Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with final arrangements.
Posted in: Couer d’Alene Post Falls Press
Posted on: 2020-07-27
Link to original obituary: https://cdapress.com/news/2020/jul/26/roger-evans-salisbury-83-5/