Richard Arthur Salt

Richard Arthur Salt, also known as “Tricky Dicky” to his friends, and “Mr. Salt” or “Sir” to his students, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster BC Canada. Richard is survived by his loving wife Margaret Salt and by his two children Susan Bright of Niagara Falls Ont., and Douglas Salt of Delta BC. He will be sorely missed by his daughter-in-law Lorena Salt who lovingly assisted in his care and by his son-in-law Todd Bright who shared many laughs and experiences with him over the years. Richard had five grandchildren; Alexander, Alana, Monica, Lisa and Thalia. All of whom had wonderful close relationships with their free spirited, fun loving, Bubba. Richard was predeceased by his brother Arthur Salt of Hamilton Ont., and by Jean Hopkins of Ottawa Ont.. Arthur, Richard and Jean were the true “three amigos”, they also doubled as back-up ABBA singers and dancers during many family camping trips to Algonquin Park. Richard is survived by his older brother Jack Salt of Hamilton Ont., who is a creative and talented artist whom Richard often spoke about in his later years.

Richard was born in Hamilton Ontario in 1932 and he grew up in a hard working family that found fun in the simple things. Shaped by the leadership programs at the Hamilton YMCA, where the values of equality and fairness were emphasized through activity, Richard sought a career as a physical education teacher. Through the devoted support of his wife Margaret and good friend Dalt Mercer, Richard graduated from Queens University in Kingston Ontario with a BA in physical and health education and a B,Ed in 1956/57.

Richard’s first and only teaching job was at the Perth and District Collegiate Institute (PDCI) where worked as head of the physical and health education department from 1957 until 1989. He helped to structure sporting programs for the school and health education throughout the county and province, but, it was his day to day passion and commitment to students that set him apart from other educators. “There is no such thing as a bad student,” he would often say over dinner as he marked papers and tried to find a way to connect with a troubled student. He was focused on exposing as many students to as many athletic activities as possible while helping them to develop in character. Three gyms later, multiple sports fields, 23 traveling sports teams and many county and regional championships, his goal was accomplished. PDCI is still an athletic power house because of his efforts and because of the infrastructure that he fought for passionately.

Richard shined not just as a family man or teacher but as a human being. Many students received the basics like food, shoes, clothing, sports equipment, and opportunities that they could not afford. This was done with little or no conversation, it just happened, long before there were any formal programs in place to provide such things. “Special” dinner guests were a regular occurrence in our household as he recognized and invited individuals into our home who needed a hot meal and some TLC; he never turned away from a fellow man. Similarly, he is fondly remembered for saving wounded or injured animals and for moving turtles and frogs off the road. This forever made his children view him as a real life super hero.

After over 30 years of teaching Richard retired, but remained in the home he loved on Glenview Crescent, Perth. Retirement for him meant doing the things he loved: camping with family, golfing and skiing. Always social, he loved to help organize the men’s twilight golf league at the Perth and District golf course where he developed and maintained many friendships. Richard also met regularly with the “Tim Horton’s Coffee Club” and their laughter could often be heard from the parking lot.

In 2001, with his wife Margaret, Richard moved to White Rock, BC, where he could golf year round and ski the big mountains. A true man of adventure, he was always up for a challenge. His son’s family was blessed to have Richard close at hand during the later years and the laughter they shared is considered to be a priceless gift that he gave freely.

Richard was the center of his family and was the bright light that saw us all through difficult times. He squeezed every bit of life that he could during his time with us and even in illness, he was positive, funny and supportive of those around him. Richard Arthur Salt was a man ahead of his time who was loved by anyone who had the privilege to know him well.

Feel free to celebrate Richard’s life and be happy for his next great adventure. Donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in his name. Cards and letters can be sent to his son’s home where Margaret currently resides:

7303 York Crescent Delta, BC V4C 4L4