Curtis William Thomas Salkeld

Curtis W. Salkeld went peacefully to be with our Lord February 14, 2013 at Providence Hospital, Everett, Washington. Curt was born to Thomas and Eleanor Salkeld in Oakland, California June 16, 1928. He served his country during the early Korean War years as a paratrooper and gliderman in the 82nd Airborne All American Division. His unit participated in a Nevada nuclear test where he was exposed to gamma radiation. Upon discharge from the Army, Curt married the love of his life, Bessie Mae Arrington, on August 25, 1952. In 1955, Curt switched services to finish out his military career in the United States Navy. During that time he had several duties which included serving as a fire fighter with the Aircraft Fire and Rescue Team, Naval Air Station, Oakland, California, and also serving two tours in Viet Nam as a Seabee with Naval Mobil Construction Battalion 74. During his Viet Nam experience, Curt served in forward combat areas and was exposed to agent orange. In 1971 he retired from the military as Chief Petty Officer, Builder, United States Navy. After his military career he worked at Reinell Boat Works, Marysville, Washington and at John Fluke Manufacturing Company, Everett, Washington. Curtis Salkeld was a gentle and caring man who loved his family and friends. His 85 years of life have provided many precious memories to all those who knew and loved him.

Curt is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Bessie Mae Salkeld, Arlington, Washington, his sister, Florence Smith, Healdsburg, California, niece Terry (Lonnie) Behrens, Red Bluff, California, niece Shelly (Mike) Steen, Geyserville, California and nephew Bob (Pam) Smith, Healdsburg, California. He also leaves behind stepsisters Ruthie (Nobby) Graves, Rocklin, California and Beverly Bonomi, Concord, California. Memorials may be made to Northwest Parkinson's Foundation, P.O. 56, Mercer Island, Washington, 98040. A memorial service will be held April 6, 2013, 2:00 PM at Weller Funeral Home, 327 MacLeod Ave., Arlington, Washington.