Obituary: SALMON, ORVILLE

Orville James Salmon "FISH"March 20, 1923 - May 19, 2012Orville James Salmon died on the 19th of May 2012. He was born March 20th 1923, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Margaret Phoebe White and John Homer Salmon. He was the 7th of 12 children. Lived early childhood in the Mesa, Arizona area and learned to work at an early age. In 1935, his family moved to Salt Lake City, where they lived next door to his future wife. He attended East High School where he was a star athlete in football, basketball, track, and baseball and acquired the nickname of "FISH". He developed a close relationship with Coach Mickey Oswald who influenced his life greatly. He was the first of his siblings to graduate from high school. He also played on the University of Utah Football team after World War II. He married Mary Jane Purdue on September 30, 1942 in the Salt Lake Temple. They then moved to San Francisco, California, where he worked building ships for Moore Dry Dock, for the war effort. He later joined the Merchant Marines, and served honorably during the war. On January 2, 1945, on leave, they bought their first and only home in the Sugarhouse area. Their home was only 3 blocks from the Utah State Prison, (currently Sugarhouse Park) where as a member of the 5th ward softball team, he played regularly against the inmate teams inside the prison. In 1947, Orv went to work for The Standard Oil Company of California (later Chevron), where he remained an employee in various positions for the next 38 years before retiring in 1985. He traveled the Intermountain West, building and maintaining service stations and bulk plants, making lasting friendships along the way.He was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints serving in many positions. At one time, he was the priest advisor for 47 priests. He had a wonderful sense of humor and laughed easily and contagiously. He played on the early All Church softball teams and was a faithful home teacher.He exemplified being a good neighbor, assisting many of the families in his neighborhood with plumbing and general repair work whenever needed. He was an exceptionally strong individual both mentally and physically. He loved to fish and camp and went on yearly hunting trips with his sons.He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Mary Jane, children, Jim (Rusty), David (Robyn), Sue (Brent) Wallace, and Emily (Paul) Greco, sister, Irene Johnson, 13 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and 1 great, great, grandchild. Preceded in death by son, Steve, 3 sisters and 7 brothers.The family would like to thank Hector and Rhonda from Summit Hospice, as well as Jacque, Debbie, Levi, Jamie, Heather, & Laura.Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 12 noon, at the Foothill 1st Ward, 1933 South 2100 East. Viewings will be at the ward, Tuesday evening, May 22 from 6 to 8 pm and Wednesday from 11 to 11:45 am prior to services. Interment will be in the Salt Lake City Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.LarkinCares.com