Gary Robert Saltsgiver
May 3, 1947 – October 14, 2018
On Sunday, October 14, 2018, Gary Robert Saltsgiver, loving husband, father to two daughters and two sons-in-law, and grandfather to two grandchildren and two step-grandchildren, passed away at the age of 71.
Gary loved his family mightily, and was a committed husband and loving father and grandfather. His wife first fell in love with him when they were newly dating, when he stopped during a blinding snowstorm to help a family change their car tire. He would do anything for anyone, and had many friends and loved ones due to his great character. He always did whatever was needed to provide for his family. He loved working with his hands, especially in wood, and always had a project going, be it remodeling their PA farmhouse by hand, making Adirondack chairs, wooden step-stools for the family’s children, or building a dollhouse for his grandchildren. Gary was a huge personality, known by some as “Gregarious Gar”. With his booming voice, he loved to be in front of people, and for many years would be recognized in the community as the host of the local public television fundraising auctions. Even during his final hours, he was cracking jokes and making the people around him laugh. He loved to tinker with new toys and gadgets, had a massive collection of tools, electronics, and hardware, and proudly displayed a sign that read, “He who dies with the most toys, wins”. He was proud of his service in Vietnam and in the USAF Thunderbirds, and he loved his country.
Gary was born in Goshen, IN, to Glen and Thelma (Schlemmer) Saltsgiver. He grew up in Rochester, IN, and graduated from Rochester High School in 1965. After attending two years at Purdue University, Fort Wayne campus, he worked in radio news and married his beautiful bride, Susan Strehlow, on March 16, 1968. He entered the U.S. Air Force in 1969 and served in the Vietnam war as a radio news reporter during 1970-1971. He served out his final two years of military service with the Air Force Thunderbirds in Las Vegas, NV. He then worked as Marketing and PR Director for the Showboat Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas and assisted in opening two new hotel casinos in Lake Tahoe, NV and Atlantic City, NJ. During this time, Gary and Susan had two daughters, Lindsay Erin (Dimitar Iliev) and Morgan Elise (Jeffrey Carnahan). The family moved to Hershey, PA in 1983. After several years in the hotel industry at Hershey Entertainment and Resort Company, he entered his longest-running and most cherished career as marketing director for public television. He served in this capacity for seven years at WITF in Harrisburg, PA and for 16 years at WJCT in Jacksonville, FL. After retiring in 2014, he worked part-time at WoodCraft in Jacksonville, FL and spent time with two of his grandchildren, Adelina and Sebastian Ilievi, who loved him very, very much. He and Susan celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in March 2018.
In commemoration of his passing, Gary’s family requests that friends and loved ones post their thoughts and messages In Memoriam, in the Comments section below. In lieu of gifts or flowers, the family would be grateful for donations made to support pancreatic cancer research, in Gary’s name, through the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at www.pancan.org.
I worked with Gary at WJCT and was so sad to hear of his passing. He was always kind and took time to say hello and ask about my family. If anything needed repair at the office we all went to Gary to fix it. He was a genuine friend to all here at WJCT and we all have and will miss him.
Gary (Ole Man) as I fondly called him, me being the older. You and I were the closest of friends and confided in each other many times. We were Brothers in Arms, a bond for ever.
My friend i will truly miss you and our good times. We shared a lot. Peace be with you—NO more suffering!!
Until we meet again in some future date, your friendship will forever be engrained in my mind.
SAFE TRAVELS “Ole Man”
Susan and I are so sorry to hear of the passing of a great husband, father and grandfather and to us our good friend. He was such a kind wonderful man and a great friend to all.. We share in your grief during this difficult time. We will never forget when is made us chairs for our back yard that have held up for years, such a craftsman. He also made Dennis a pen, an Susan a wine cork, that we cherish. Our social life with Gary and Susan was such a joy, he always brought his laughter and humor to the game, so much fun. I think we love his stories the best. We never heard an ill word spoken of him. He was kind, compassionate, and a true gentleman. Sadly there are few people like that in the world today. We hope that in the weeks and months ahead that Gary will give your family the strength through faith to endure.
Please extend our sympathy to your entire family and let them know how much we share your families pain at this sad time.
In Friendship & Sorrow,
Susan & Dennis Broadbent
I never met Gary; but, he certainly sounds like a loving, man who was well liked and respected throughout his life. My daughter died of Pancreatic Cancer, a truly horrible type of sneaky cancer. Condolences to you Sue and your dear children and their families. Peace to you as you grieve and prayers sent for understanding.
Gary was a great brother-in-law. Jim has been gone almost 9 years and Gary would call me every couple of weeks to say hi and see how I was doing. I thought after a few months he would quit calling but we talked frequently up until a few weeks ago. I will miss those calls. I am sure he is up there catching up with Jim, Joanne and their parents. I feel so blessed to have had him in my life.
I met Gary once, and he made me feel as if he knew me my whole life. I am so happy I came to your house for dinner with Michele. Gary was a special kind of man, I saw that right away. We bonded over our experiences and our thoughts on cancer and it’s treatment. I am so so sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to all of your family.
What a wonderful obituary for an extraordinary gentleman. Was privileged to visit with Gary and Susie and family a few weeks ago.
He will be missed by all.
Gary is always happy and positive, laughing all the time. I will always remember him… R.i.p
Take care of yourself Sue.
🙏🙏🙏
Gary Saltzgiver – what a guy!
When I first met Gary in 2002 – believe me – it was love at first sight. I loved being in his company – working, playing golf, watching him work the auction. He was always, always fun. I know he loved his family and friends, and I know he loved his life. Even with his horrible diagnosis, he always asked about me and my family first. He fought hard over these past few years. I admire his bravery and grace. All the fans of Saltzgiver are really, really going to miss him.
Gary was the best neighbor. We talked to him nearly every day as he returned from walking his dog or when he’d call us over to check out the progress on his granddaughters doll house. Our then-toddler daughter enjoyed seeing Gary as well and until he and Sue left Jacksonville, we enjoyed bringing her to their home for Halloween. We have missed him since leaving the neighborhood and our hearts hurt for this loss. Thinking of you, Sue and your family.
Gary & Ron was in nam same time. Hmmm wonder if they met. Gary sounds like a wonderful man. Wish I met him. Take time Susie and girls to remember your life experiences with this wonderful man No time limits to here. Love to you all
Diana
Gary and I became immediate friends for two reasons. He had a huge heart and he was a brother Vietnam veteran. We quickly learned we shared a love for woodwork and tinkering and all things tools. We both pack ratted screws and bolts and nuts , scraps of wood, short piecea of wire and unusual tools. We shared many cups of coffee, lots of good food and more than an occasional gin and tonic (“If that comes within six feet of a lime, I’ll throw it in the river”).
When he was diagnosed with this dread disease that had cruelly taken his brother, we shared many tears.
When he moved with his beloved Susan and Lindsay and grandchildren to Nashville, many hearts of Jacksonville were broken. There are always empty promises of staying in touch, but Gary’s promises were never empty. He followed through as always.
I was taking him home one day after breakfast and he wanted me to go into the garage with him. He waved his arms at his nuts and bolts and woodworking tools and gadgets and said, “Take what you want.” I refused and he raised his voice at me and said,”I want these to be used. And you will use them.”
And use them I have. Every time I need a special screw, I find it in that trove and say, “I got that fixed today, thanks to Gary.”
We shared a “fishing” trip in May at a beloved lake in north Tennessee. The winds were 14 mph and we fought that to drown a few worms in a Jon boat. We caught nothing and cared not. We shared precious time together, both somehow knowing it would be the last time we would be together.
As we left, he told me “this is on me, pal.” That generous heart overtaking his wallet.
As he struggled mightily and powerfully with this disease, he always worried about me and my Agent Orange health issues.
He spoke lovingly and proudly of Lindsay and Morgan and his beloved Susan. He relished his beautiful grandchildren.
With his passing, there are many holes in many hearts and the world is a lesser place today and forever.
We want to send our love and prayers to all of the Saltsgiver family. Gary will be deeply missed..
Had the pleasure of working with Gary at WITF. He was smart very funny and one of the wonderful people who made the station feel like home. To Susan and the rest of the family I hope your lifetime of wonderful memories helps you get through the painful days week and months ahead.
This is a sad, sad day! I know there are no words…Gary and my husband, John, were great buddies during the WITF days. Gary had quite a few meals around our kitchen table. Such great memories. Gary is now catching up John in heaven on all that has happened in the last 16 years. (John was the Director of Engineering…I am certain you remember Susan.) I find it so sweet that you are referred to as Gary’s bride…it must have been a Gary/John thing. My heart hurts for all of you. May you feel comfort in God’s love and His peace. Another one who had to leave us way too soon. I am only a phone call away but right there in heart. Beverly D. Bosak
Truly an Original, Gary is a Fine Friend who Inspired and Instilled Positivity. He will remain a Humble Spirit for whom I am Grateful. Thank You Gary for Being You.
Are you kidding me? The best friend ever. Too many things to say about you. You know how much you meant to me. I think of you always Grace, Thanks so much for all the great memories.
Gary and I were members of the Rotary Club of Mandarin in Jacksonville. He joined in 2003 and immediately fit in. He was the kind of guy who you enjoyed calling and being your friend. He was a giver and a true gentleman. I know he will be sorely missed by many.
Be kind to strangers, love thy neighbor, put others first … Gary did all that and more, it just seemed to come so easily and natural to him. He greeted everyone with a big glowing smile, and hug, and typically asked “how’s your day going?” He catered to everyone, never expecting (or wanting) anything in return. I worked with him at WJCT for many years when we used to shoot (film) furniture commercials in their studio (HIS studio, I should say, he ran the place!). No matter what challenging requests we threw at him, he put on that huge teeth-baring smile and said “done” … and it got done … by Gary himself. He lived to please everyone, all the time … others first, self last. What an amazing role model he was to ALL OF US, so many people of all ages. We can’t look into his twinkling eyes now, be he’ll remain very alive in our hearts forever. Sending much love to his precious family.
I was proud to know and work with Gary at witf in Harrisburg, Pa. Gary had an infectious sense of humor and used it to great effect, especially to defuse moments of tension. He was just a delight to be around. Reading his obituary, I am reminded of his proud service to our country. We are indebted to him and his fellow servicemembers. Rest in peace, Gary, and may the memory of your good humor lighten the sorrow of those who knew and loved you.
Съболезнования от мен и моето семейство! Още един Ангел ще бди над семейството ви. Линдзи болката от загубата на баща е непоносима, но вие не го губите, защото любовта му ще остане завинаги с вас.
Truly an Original, Gary is a Fine Friend who Inspired and Instilled Positivity. He will remain a Humble Spirit for whom I will be eternally Grateful. Thank You Gary for Being You.
Not Goodbye My Friend so long for now.
He was such a generous and wonderful man. I know my Dad is happy to have his buddy as company up there. May your cherished memories sustain you in the days to come. Please let us know if we can help in any way.
Will miss my dear brother-in-law – his gregarious nature (he never met a stranger), his love for his family, his beautiful woodworking (my grandkids still have the beautiful stools he made them), his attempts to beat me at Scrabble (ok, so he was ahead of me by 1 win), his collection of tools (often 2-3 of the same!) so that he could fix anything, but most of all he was a gentle giant that I loved dearly. Rest in peace, Gary.
Well, bro, no more suffering. What a warrior, I stand in awe. I will keep my promise. Will miss you but you are in the big dogs woodshop now turning out all kinds of cool projects.
I only worked with Gary for a couple of years at WJCT but he left a big impression on me. He had a great sense of humor! And was always kind and thoughtful. I’m so very sorry to learn of his passing. Thinking of his family during this difficult time.
Gary had that way of making everything fun and everyone happy. You could complain to him but only for a moment, because he would make you see the beauty, the humor, the silver lining. What a marvelous man- I feel lucky to have know him, even a little. Susan- our thoughts are with you and your family. Let Billy and I know if we can help.
Keith and I are so grieved to hear about Gary passing. It is so sad to lose a brother for Keith, and a brother-in-law for me. We always enjoyed our visits on the phone with him so much. He was always kind and caring. Keith is grieving very much for his brother, since Gary was his last sibling living. Our prayers are with Susie, Lindsey and Morgan and especially his grandchildren, who I know you all will miss him terribly.
Such wonderful comments, dear friends. Lindsay, Morgan and I will treasure them forever. They have captured the essence of Gary. We hope you will keep in touch with us on occasion. Blessings to each of you.
Gary will be missed by everyone he knew. His smile and his laughter was unforgettable. We are lucky to have had him in all of our lives, if only for a short time.
You blessed us with your friendship from the time we met, 20 years ago. We treasure that friendship and are so grateful for having known you. Until we see you again, we will hold you and all the great memories in our hearts. We love you Gary.
Gary and I worked together in the newsroom at AFVN, Saigon, in 1970. A fellow Hoosier, he and I hit it off almost immediately. Heck, everybody liked him. Always had a smile and a hearty laugh. If you pranked him, he was always ready with a come-back. Wish we could have visited and reminisced, my friend.
I loved that Uncle Gary always made me and my family feel so loved and welcome. I loved his huge personality and love of life and laughter. He was always so generous with his words and actions. We always enjoyed our time spent with Uncle Gary and the Saltsgivers.
One of my favorite memories is as a child when our entire extended family visited the Saltsgivers for Christmas- I think in New Jersey. Uncle Gary had just bought a brand new surroundsound system. Christmas morning he woke us all up to the blaring of the Star Wars musical theme. I still smile when I think about that memory and it is such a thing that uncle Gary would do. I loved that trip!
I also have such fond memories of the times that my children and I got to stop by and visit with uncle Gary and aunt Susie in Jacksonville on our way down to South Florida. We always left there feeling an extra dose of love.
Uncle Gary will be sorely missed.
We look forward to carrying on his memories when we continue to gather as family. Family was always a top priority for Uncle Gary and I am grateful!
With lots of love.
Your niece, Jenna
Gary and I co-hosted WJCT TV auctions “live” for more than 20 years in Jacksonville. He made me laugh…a lot. I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing. I will cherish my memories and the many many hours of fun and friendship we developed over the years. My thoughts and prayers will be with the Saltzgiver family. xoxo 😥
Gary was one of those people that you were always glad to see. Big smile, big voice and an even bigger heart. I was fortunate to work with Gary for a decade and count him as a friend for two. Our (almost daily) group lunches at WJCT are one of my best memories of that time and Gary was at the center of those. His warmth, his kindness, his wit and his capacity for caring will be sorely missed by all of us who knew and loved him.
I worked with Gary at WITF. When I first moved to PA for my job at WITF, Gary made me feel welcome. He shared information, a welcome smile and, of course, gave me a laugh with his jokes and one-liners. Gary talked a lot about his family and how much they meant to him. The world has lost “one of the good ones.” I am so sorry for your loss, but thankful for the wonderful memories you can share with family and friends.
I worked with Gary as a vendor for WITF for many years. He always had a kind word and a keen sense of humor even when a job got challenging. It was an honor and privilege to know him.
From Ms.Jenny Strehlow:
Gary always made me feel, that I was very special, he made me feel, that he was very happy to be in touch; whether it was on the phone or in person. He overlooked my shortcomings, Gary had a beautiful singing voice and accompanied himself on guitar. Likely, he played another instrument also, he was gifted in so many spheres. He and Sue complimented each other perfectly, their marriage, I both admired and envied. Gary came to the end of his days so successful in work, hobbies and pastimes raising his daughters, providing a home for his family. We all have and emptiness in our hearts at his passing.