Obituary of William 'Bill' John Salter

Of London, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 23rd, 2018, in his 86th year. Cherished husband of Donalda Salter. Loving father of Michael (Janet), Liam (Olivia Adams), and Stephen (Linda Gionet). Proud grandfather of Colin, Eric, Samuel and Jessie Salter. Dear brother of Charles “Chuck” (Norma) and Ron (Helen). Also missed by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his siblings, Shirley Wilhelm and Fred Salter. Bill was an athlete, teacher, multi-sport coach and sports organizer. He was an inspirational leader and motivator. As a youth, he starred in Junior A hockey and, for a time, he was property of the Detroit Red Wings. As a student athlete at the University of Western Ontario, Bill excelled in wrestling and football. He was intercollegiate wrestling champion in 1958 and inducted into the Western Wrestling Wall of Fame in 2001. For more than 35 years he drew the best out of his students and athletes in a teaching career that included stops at Beal, Clarke Road, Saunders, Beck and Central. In 2009, Bill was recognized as the London Sports Council “Volunteer of the Year.” His love for running was expressed in marathons. He competed in four Boston Marathons with his best time being 2:59. Bill was a tireless organizer of Huff N Puff hockey and cross-country ski meets at Circle R Ranch, and was chair of the London Oldtimers Sports Association. He was an enduring champion for Western, being involved with W Club for many years, and served as President. For over 40 years, Bill organized the Western Cross Country Invitational which was recently renamed the Bill Salter Western International. Bill was also an avid fisherman, cross-country skier and loved his annual trips to Temagami. Ultimately though, his family was his passion; he was a tireless spectator grandfather at sporting events and an enthusiastic texter with his grandchildren. A funeral service will be conducted at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Friday, January 26, 2018 at 2:00 p.m., with visitation from 12:00-2:00 p.m. Interment to follow at Woodland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Bill are asked to consider the Adopt A Mustang Program (Western Athletics).