David "Salty" Saltmarsh

David "Salty" Saltmarsh, a beloved boyfriend and cherished friend, passed away at the age of 60 after a courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, surrounded by his family and loved ones at his home.

Salty, born on August 7, 1963, in Bay City, Michigan, was the son of the late Milton and Mildred (Zumbrun) Saltmarsh. He graduated from John Glen High School with the class of 1981. Salty met the love of his life, Ramona “Mo” Lamping with whom he shared 29 wonderful years. She survives him.

Throughout his life, Salty held various jobs with different employers, including Bourdow Trucking, Snowmobilers Warehouse, Billy's Contracting, and Caravan Facilities Management. He was deeply passionate about numerous charitable causes, including MS Society and Bay City River Roar. Salty dedicated much of his time to organizing events to support youth hockey in Saginaw, such as A Nite at the Races, Putt Putt for Ice, and the Pat Bourdow Memorial Golf Outing. Salty was always there to lend a helping hand to whomever needed it. 

Salty wholeheartedly immersed himself in his hobbies, which included stock car racing, camping, boating, hockey, bowling, golfing, auctions, garage sales, and his recent passion for RC car racing. He had a remarkable ability to forge meaningful relationships, turning chance encounters into lifelong friendships. Salty's infectious energy, smile and sense of humor made him the life of every gathering, bringing joy and laughter to all who knew him.

Salty is survived by his girlfriend and his loyal and loving dog, Jaxxie; his sister, Judi Saba, of Fort Meyer, Florida; extended family, Jean Brady, Rick and Barbara Brady, Danford Brady and Robert Lauka; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews; his very dear friends, Norm and Christine Davis, Wendy Smith, and the entire Bourdow family. Besides his parents, Salty was preceded in death by his brother, Milton Saltmarsh, Jr., very dear friends, Pat Bourdow and Craig Kelly, and extended family, Genevieve Smith, Donald J. Brady, and Denise Brady Lauka.

The family extends special thanks to Dr. Paul and his staff at the University of Michigan; Valley Hospice Care, particularly Nurse Jennifer and Nurse Kelly; and to Stacy and Nicole Jurek, Jean Brady, and Jen Emerson for their unwavering support and care for Jaxxie during Salty's many trips to Ann Arbor and hospital stays over the past six months.

Salty will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of kindness, laughter, and generosity will continue to live on in the hearts of those he touched.

In accordance with Salty's wishes, cremation has taken place.  A Memorial Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 17, 2024, followed by a Time of Sharing at W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, located at 4480 Mackinaw Rd, Saginaw, MI 48603. Pastor Steve O'Mara will officiate the service. Friends may pay their respects and offer condolences to the family starting at 2:00 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral chapel.

For those who wish to offer their sympathies, memorial contributions may be made to the Greater Saginaw Amateur Hockey Association or an animal rescue organization of their choice.