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Charles Martin Salina
09/28/1919 — 08/22/2007
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Great Falls, Montana
Charles Martin Salina
Charles M. Salina, who blessed all with his beautiful smile, joined his beloved Lord on August 22nd, 2007. He was the son of Martin and Victoria Salina, immigrants from northern Italy, who raised their two sons on the north side of Great Falls, Montana. At the age of 21 he followed his lifetime friend, Dan Brajcich Sr., to Gonzaga University where Charles obtained a degree in electrical engineering in 1943. As the son of Italian immigrants, Charlie had a deep love for America and joined the Armed Forces after his graduation. During World War II he met his life companion, the former Janet Louise Coop. They married in New York City and moved to Richland, Washington in 1947 after Charlie obtained a job with General Electric Company.
Charlie and Janet enjoyed their new life together while raising their four children. Charlie was an active member of Christ the King Church. He was devoted to his alma mater, and was awarded the distinguished Alumni Merit Award. Charlie was a board member of the Catholic Charities, a regent a Gonzaga University and a long time member of many organizations including the United Way, Knights of Columbus and the Kiwanis. He was an avid gardener, golfer and craftsman. He enjoyed water-skiing and walks with his children on his beloved Columbia River. Charles and Janet loved to travel and share their adventures with the family. Though he experienced many wonderful events in his life, it was the little things, mornings at the Spudnut Shop, golfing with his brother, or dancing the jitter bug with his wife, which gave him true joy.
His cherished wife, Janet and his dear brother Lui Salina of Great Falls, Montana, survive him. His children, Barbara Maheu husband Lou, Martin Salina wife Bobbie, Chuck Salina wife Sonya, and Carol Ng husband Russell will miss his love, but are thankful for the wonderful family memories. Charlie had 10 grandchildren who will remember that smile and the fun Grandpa brought to any event. Thank you Dad for the blessings you gave us.
The family also wishes to thank Lower Valley Hospice and the staff at Richland Rehabilitation Center for the wonderful care they gave Charlie during his last weeks on earth.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, August 28, 2007 at 11:00 AM at Christ the King Church, Richland. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be at 6:00 PM Monday the 27th, also at Christ the King, with visitation prior from 5:00-6:00.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gonzaga Universitys Great Teachers Program, 502 E. Boone, Spokane, WA 99258; 509-323-5993.
We celebrate Uncle Charlie’s life and friendship. We’re glad that Dad’s best friend has joined him on Heaven’s Golf Course. With much love, Peggy and Meg
All of us who had Charlie in our lives know we were blessed. He was a rare, truly good man. I am so grateful for the friendship he gave my father, Jim McLaughlin. I can still hear Charlie’s big voice resounding in my ears. I am sorry that you have lost this dear man. God has blessed him; and I pray for your comfort.
Love,
Patti McLaughlin Cleavenger
Uncle Charlie was truly a unique person. He loved life, Gonzaga, Golf and especially family. He had a great sense of humor, and a poor sense of direction, which made him only more dear. He will be missed. Our prayers and love go out to his wonderful family. Ron and JoAnn Salina Roberts
Dear Janet and Family, I was sad to hear about Charley’s passing. He meant so much to my parents Paul and Bea Fritch. My children Karen and Kristin always enjoyed talking to Charley and Janet. He would always end each conversation with God Love You. Charley had a love for life. He enjoyed people and helping them out. He also had a passion for his Bulldogs. His love of the Lord was what made him unique. I know God has a special place for him in Heaven. He will get to see my parents there as well. Janet you and Charley made our early days in Richland easier especially when we lived on Hunt Street. You had a remarkable husband Janet. Sincerely, Mary and Randy Peterson
Charlie was a great guy. He was with the KC way back in 1949 when they held a fund raiser to give funds for student scholarship to Gonzaga. I received that scholarship which was $300 a lot of money back then. Charlie and Ernie Curtis and Jim Sisk presented the check to me at my home on Thayer Dr.The picture was in the newspaper.
Years later, Charlie and I served together on the Board of Regents along with Dr. Al Corrado. We three formed the Tri-City contingent and we always sat together at the meetings.
I sought Charlie’s endorsement when I ran for Superior Court Judge in 1994. I am confident his endorsement secured a large number of Richland votes in my favor.
Charlie was indeed a true gentleman, a fine citizen, and a loyal Zag. We’ll miss him. Our deepest sympathies to Janet and the family. Phil and Mary Raekes
My deepest sympathy and prayers for the whole Salina family. Your husband, father, grandfather and brother was an inspirational example of love and generosity for all of us.
Chuck Jr. spoke lovingly of his father so often that all us in the Administration Department at Gonzaga felt we knew him.
May God’s great love comfort you and be your support during this difficult time.
Sister Joan
I always will remember Charlie with great fondness and the most genuine gratitude. I worked with Lucille, his cousin, at NMS, as my older daughter, Alison, was about to enter college. She wanted more than anything to go to Gonzaga, but the cost of tuition was prohibitive to me. Through Lucille’s help, I was put in touch with Charlie. He saw to it that Alison could attend Gonzaga with several scholarships. She not only graduated there, she gave the commencement speech. She and I, along with the rest of our family, never will forget Charlie’s kindness to her and to so many others like her. He was a warm, caring, empathetic man who had a deep belief in the potential and goodness of others. We mourn his passing and never will forget him. Thank you, Mr. Salinas. We know you’re at peace and pray your family finds peace, as well.
We celebrate Uncle Charlie’s life and friendship. We’re glad that Dad’s best friend has joined him on Heaven’s Golf Course. With much love, Peggy and Meg
All of us who had Charlie in our lives know we were blessed. He was a rare, truly good man. I am so grateful for the friendship he gave my father, Jim McLaughlin. I can still hear Charlie’s big voice resounding in my ears. I am sorry that you have lost this dear man. God has blessed him; and I pray for your comfort.
Love,
Patti McLaughlin Cleavenger
Uncle Charlie was truly a unique person. He loved life, Gonzaga, Golf and especially family. He had a great sense of humor, and a poor sense of direction, which made him only more dear. He will be missed. Our prayers and love go out to his wonderful family. Ron and JoAnn Salina Roberts
Dear Janet and Family, I was sad to hear about Charley’s passing. He meant so much to my parents Paul and Bea Fritch. My children Karen and Kristin always enjoyed talking to Charley and Janet. He would always end each conversation with God Love You. Charley had a love for life. He enjoyed people and helping them out. He also had a passion for his Bulldogs. His love of the Lord was what made him unique. I know God has a special place for him in Heaven. He will get to see my parents there as well. Janet you and Charley made our early days in Richland easier especially when we lived on Hunt Street. You had a remarkable husband Janet. Sincerely, Mary and Randy Peterson
Charlie was a great guy. He was with the KC way back in 1949 when they held a fund raiser to give funds for student scholarship to Gonzaga. I received that scholarship which was $300 a lot of money back then. Charlie and Ernie Curtis and Jim Sisk presented the check to me at my home on Thayer Dr.The picture was in the newspaper.
Years later, Charlie and I served together on the Board of Regents along with Dr. Al Corrado. We three formed the Tri-City contingent and we always sat together at the meetings.
I sought Charlie’s endorsement when I ran for Superior Court Judge in 1994. I am confident his endorsement secured a large number of Richland votes in my favor.
Charlie was indeed a true gentleman, a fine citizen, and a loyal Zag. We’ll miss him. Our deepest sympathies to Janet and the family. Phil and Mary Raekes
My deepest sympathy and prayers for the whole Salina family. Your husband, father, grandfather and brother was an inspirational example of love and generosity for all of us.
Chuck Jr. spoke lovingly of his father so often that all us in the Administration Department at Gonzaga felt we knew him.
May God’s great love comfort you and be your support during this difficult time.
Sister Joan
I always will remember Charlie with great fondness and the most genuine gratitude. I worked with Lucille, his cousin, at NMS, as my older daughter, Alison, was about to enter college. She wanted more than anything to go to Gonzaga, but the cost of tuition was prohibitive to me. Through Lucille’s help, I was put in touch with Charlie. He saw to it that Alison could attend Gonzaga with several scholarships. She not only graduated there, she gave the commencement speech. She and I, along with the rest of our family, never will forget Charlie’s kindness to her and to so many others like her. He was a warm, caring, empathetic man who had a deep belief in the potential and goodness of others. We mourn his passing and never will forget him. Thank you, Mr. Salinas. We know you’re at peace and pray your family finds peace, as well.
I’m so sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing. He was always so upbeat and kind to my family – especially my dad, Clem Sheeran, whom he visited on a regular basis – after Dad was unable to join the “guys” at the Spudnut Shop. Jan and Charlie are considered true family friends for life to the Sheeran’s.
Charlie Salina was a FRIEND; whether on the jobpreparing his budget, Nom.Cmte-H.Retirees Assn, or any other place. It was my extreme pleasure to have him “greet” me one day at Rich.Rehab..adios True Friend
and God Bless “his bride”…Janet was never, EVER referred to other, than. “my bride”…what a blessing.
Charles was a member of the WWII Merchant Marine veterans Mid-Columbia Chapter. He always had a smile and was such a gentle loving person. When he became ill. Our chapter missed him and his friendly and loving attitude. Our sympathy to you Janet and their children.Commander Bob Cauble and Janell
My thoughts are with you over the passing of Charlie. I have fond memories from my youth for Charlie. He was always extremely nice and suportive to me and the other kids who played ball and hung around your house.
Please except my sympathies.
Charlie was the type of man everyone hopes their daughter will marry. I’ll never forget the day he intro-duced me to Jimmy McLarnin, the fighter.
Guestbook for
Charles Martin Salina