Winky Salmanson

In the early morning of November 22, 2016, Irwin "Winky" Richard Salmanson of Austin, passed away peacefully. Winky was born and lived in Brooklyn, New York long enough to pick up a New York accent, but moved at an early age with his parents, Abe and Mildred Salmanson, to El Paso. He attended and graduated from El Paso High, and went on to serve in the Army as part of the occupied forces in Germany. Upon returning to El Paso, he attended Texas Western University. Winky was set up on a very successful blind date with Helen Bendorf, and they were married on February 22, 1959.

Winky and Helen moved to Austin in 1959 so that he could attend the University of Texas Law School and fell in love with the city that became their home and where they started and raised their family. Winky began his legal career with the Texas Attorney General's office, and then went on to establish his own firm, Salmanson & Smith where he worked until his retirement.

Winky recognized the differences in people only to appreciate them and not to judge them, and was a tireless advocate against intolerance and bigotry, and dedicated much of his time, beginning in the 1960's, until his passing, to the Anti-defamation League (ADL). He also served the community he called home by serving on the board of various Jewish organizations, including acting as chair of the Jewish Federation Community Relations Council (CRC) for over 10 years and was one of the founders of the Jewish Community Center's Early Childhood Program serving as its second chairman. Winky was also active in the creation of Temple Beth Shalom. He served as chair of the Health Advisory Committee to the Capital Area Planning Council (CAPCO), Chair of the Health Systems Agency, and was appointed to the state-wide Health Coordinating Council as vice chair, and served as vice chair on the Austin Urban Renewal Commission. He was also President of the Central Texas Health Systems Agency, and PTA President for Anderson High School.

Winky was predeceased by his father and mother, Abe and Mildred Salmanson. He is survived by his wife, Helen, son Mark, daughter, Kara and his grandsons Dylan and Lance Snelson.

Services are scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N Lamar Blvd, Austin. Interment will follow at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery.