More detail on this person: After a long
courageous battle with prostate cancer, Harold
"Hal" Salem passed away peacefully at home on
August 6, 2015,surrounded by his wife of 61 years,
Edna and their five children and spouses: Toby and
Eddie Tarango, Cheryl and Phil Weiss, Julie and
Vance Varholdt, Debbie and Greg McKenna and
Dave and Cindee Salem. He also leaves behind
twelve grandchildren, and ten great grand
children.
He was born in 1932 in Douglas Arizona. He was
one of three sons of the late John and Ethel
Salem. He was commissioned in the Air Force in
1956 after graduating from Arizona State
University. He was a decorated Vietnam War
Veteran serving as a rescue helicopter pilot. He
flew over 340 missions, survived being shot down
by enemy fire twice and received many military
medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross
with valor. He was in Detachment Six, 38th Rescue
Squadron in Bien Hao Air Force Base Vietnam. He
was a qualified fixed wing and rotorcraft pilot.
During his time in the military he also earned his
Masters Degree in Business Management.
After his retirement from the Air Force in 1976,
he had a successful career as a professional in
the area of Environmental and Safety Engineering.
Hal was passionate about his work and was a
mentor to many throughout his career. He is known
for treating everyone with equal respect, one of
the many mottos he lived by.
He was an active volunteer for several
organizations throughout the valley, such as the
Veterans Hospital and the Civilian Police Academy.
He was past president of the Tempe Diplomats and
the Air Force Military Affairs.
Hal and Edna traveled the world during and after
their military career. They also treasured the
time spent at their cabin with family with
friends. He will be remembered for his humor,
great dance moves, hugs, hair stretches and face
wakeups. He was a wonderful husband, father,
Papa and G- Papa. He was our hero and he will be
truly missed.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be
given to Hospice of the Valley and the VFW.
Services will be held Tuesday August 11th at
Mariposa Gardens Funeral Home, 6747 E
Broadway Road, Mesa Arizona. Viewing at 2:00
PM, memorial service at 3:00 PM followed by
internment at Mountain View Cemetery at 7900 E.
Main in Mesa. In lieu of flowers, memorial
donations may be given to Hospice of the Valley.
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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