Garrett George Salsman

Born September 17th, 1930 in Medford, Massachusetts, Garry's love of the sea began while growing up on Cape Cod. Naval service and studies at Florida State University launched a career in oceanography and a passion for astronomy. Diving for over thirty years, Garry made over 5,000 dives including the first exploratory deep cave dives in Wakulla Springs. Retiring from the Naval Coastal Systems Center, his explorations of Sea and Sky continued on the Mac Computer.

Unassuming, Gary treasured and nurtured family and friends. The community was also embraced through his participation in Kaleidoscope Theatre. Always jogging, he lived life and closed conversations with the injunction: "Keep Looking Up".

Garry is survived by his wife and best friend Gail, daughters, Debbie McLaughlin and husband Mark of Seattle, Washington, Karen Elder, Kim Anderson and her husband Joe, grandson, Garrett Jackson and wife, Katy, great granddaughter, Taylor Noelle Jackson all of Panama City, brother, Richard and his wife, Helen, of Boston, Massachusetts plus several nieces and nephews.

We acknowledge Virginia Lindsay and family for their love, friendship and support, N.W. Florida Hematology & Oncology Clinic for their compassion and care - especially Dr. Venu Bathini, his hero, who went the extra mile. The family has been overwhelmed and strengthened by the many acts of kindness and concern of our dear friends and neighbors, too numerous to mention.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations on behalf of The Kaleidoscope Theatre Building Fund, P.O. Box 526, Lynn Haven, FL 32444 or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202.

A celebration of life will be held at St. Dominic's Parish Hall, 3308 E. 15th St., Sunday, July 15th, 2007 from 4-7 P.M.

Wilson Funeral Home