Richard (Dick) Salmela

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Richard (Dick) Salmela passed away on Sunday, Dec. 23, at Rocky Mountain Care in Evanston.  

Dick was born on April 18, 1945, to William and Flora Salmela, and he was an only child. He attended school in Evanston and graduated from Evanston High School in 1963.

He married Cheryle Faulkner on April 12, 1969.

Dick worked as a mechanic for Reese Pontiac Cadillac and Chevron and was a member of the National Guard.

Many people considered Dick to be the best mechanic in town. You could always pick his brain and he always had a solution. He was patient and kind and willing to lend a helping hand while maintaining his sense of humor. He enjoyed playing softball with Bill’s House of Parts and snowmobiling.

Dick’s biggest passion was the volunteer fire department, where he served the community for more than 40 years and achieved the rank of assistant chief. One of his greatest honors in life was to be able to donate the training tower to the Fire Department, which is named for him. It is one of only six towers of its kind in the state of Wyoming.  

Dick is survived by his many friends and extended family; best buds, Terry and Kay Barker and Tim and Stephanie Overy; his band of brothers at the Evanston Fire Department; Cheryle’s family; sisters-in-law, Janice Lovato and Lisa Faulkner; brother-in-law, Leonard Faulkner; and many neices and nephews, as well as so many other special people in his life, including Julie Staley, Lawana Staley and their families.  

The family wishes to give special thanks to his constant caretaker and watchdog, Natalie Cornia, the staff at Rocky Mountain Care and Tender Heart Living Center and Dr. Spencer Weston.

Dick was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife Cheryle, who passed away in 2007; his parents, William and Flora Salmela; and special friend, Darrell Staley.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. at the Evanston City Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 29.

Online condolences and guestbook at www.crandallfhevanston.com.