We met Chip in 2013 when he had an idea about a trophy that he wanted to create. He walked into our shop and proposed his idea and "Message Matters" was born. We joined Chip in this endeavor but more importantly we all became fast friends. We have such wonderful warm memories of all the times we were together. We will all miss Chip. With our Love, Diane, Bruce, and Damian Barth
0
I worked with Chip at the Wesley School in Muskegon. To complete my Masters degree I wanted to create a once a week evening recreation club for our students. Chip was my partner for all of it… the planning, the recruitment of volunteers, the implementation. The only compensation he received was our success and the enthusiasm and joy we witnessed every week. I could not have done it without him, I hope that he knew how much it meant to me. He was an exceptional educator and friend.
Sending our love and sympathy to his family. What a blessing to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Mary & John
0
I am so sorry to hear about Chip’s death. He was a remarkable. Individual who truly cared for all people. He was a joy to work with and always did more . Chip will be missed but his legacy lives on in everyone’s heart. I wish his family peace during these sad times. We all care and send you comforting wishes.
0
There are so many memories but one of my fondest memories is when he taught Sue Ochs and I to tap dance to Chattanooga ChooChoo for the Wesley staff x-mas gathering. He was in the center and Sue and I on either side.
0
I loved him to the moon and back! Strange thing to say about a work colleague! We worked together at Wesley School in Muskegon - a school for students with severe cognitive and physical impairments. He loved those kids so much and they loved him! I don’t think I’ve ever known such a compassionate man. And his sense of humor was phenomenal ! I have so many funny stories I could share! Norva and Jamie - he leaves a tremendous hole in all our hearts 💔
0
I have known Chip since the ‘80’s when he, Norva and Jamie moved into a house down the street from us. Jamie and our daughter were close in age and became close friends. Chip became a good influence on our daughter’s life, with his positive attitude and wit. That wit showed up frequently. For example, I recall him accidentally eating potpourri at our house during a Christmas party one year and commenting that it needed some salt. On another occasion him showing up with crutches, faking an injury, when invited to help me out on a backyard project that required heavy physical work activity.
Hiking up La Luz to the Sandia crest, Chimayo walk on a Good Friday, Angel Fire vacations, all done with plenty of giggles and laughs with our girls.
Chip lived life to the fullest, always looking for the best in people and situations.
0
He was such a kind man will always remember him out there on my family fun day playing and dancing with the kids
0
Mr. Saltman was such a kind and caring man! I enjoyed teaching with him at Bellehaven. ❤️
1
Jordan Garcia
Bellehaven Elementary School, Princess Jeanne Avenue Northeast, Albuquerque, NM, USA
Mr.Saltman was the most amazing PE coach in New Mexico !!! Me and a good friend of mine wrote him a small book when we were in the 5th grade and he always reminded me that he still had it and never forgot about it everytime I’d see him, Rest in peace to a great man ! Thank you for all the memories Mr. Saltman
1
Mr. Saltman was absolutely one of my favorite teachers I ever had. I remember I was always so excited to go to PE because it was always so much fun. He was such a light that you just know truly loved his job and every moment he spent with us. I think about him often when I'm playing games with my own students now 💕
1
I had the pleasure of being one of the many students of Mr.Saltman at Bellehaven Elementary. He was truly a ball of joy and instilled a love of movement in so many of us. He loved his job and all of his students so much. Though many of us have not crossed paths with him in many years, he touched the lives of so many and will be remembered fondly. Rest in love 🩷
1
I had the pleasure of being taught by Mr.Saltman during my time at Bellehaven Elementary. He was such a wonderful teacher who loved his kids and wanted nothing more than to see them thrive. He was an amazing coach who had the most infectious energy and always made time for you, regardless of what he had going on. He'll always be remembered and loved. Thank you for being there for the kiddos, the enthusiasm for teaching and being an all around amazing human. Rest in Paradise, Mr.Saltman.
1
My sincere condolences , Mr. Saltman was a soul that will never be forgotten. I was privileged to be coached by him in elementary school at Belhaven Elementary, PE class was always something I looked forward to, his energy and encouragement was contagious in those developing years and his enthusiasm for the Monday morning assemblies and school sock hops was a core memory he will be missed!
1
Mr. Saltman is, and always will be, a one of a kind man. He embodied all the values he taught to my fellow students and I. He led by example and didn’t ever expect something out of the students that he didn’t display through his own character. Never can I remember a single kid ever saying anything bad about Mr. Saltman. We loved him dearly and always looked forward to P.E because of him. Forever will I remember all the fun we had, all the smiles and laughter he brought, and the best P.E game ever invented ‘Defend your Pin’.
You’re a true Legend, Mr. Saltman, and your influence on all of those around you will carry on your legacy. Love you always, Coach, and I’m so thankful I had you as a role model so early on in my life.
1
My heart breaks knowing he has passed. That man was always such an inspiration and loved all of us at Bellehaven. He will always be someone I remember and have such great memories with as a child! ♥️ Thank you Mr.Saltman for giving me great child hood memories. My condolences to his family!
1
I am so sorry for your loss…. My heart is broken. Mr.saltman was the best P.E teacher. Being the quiet and shy student, he encouraged me to have fun and pushed me out of my shell. He taught us that it’s okay to be ourselves and it didn’t matter what anyone else thought.. His jokes, his laugh, and his uplifting spirit will forever be missed.
1
Mr. Saltman is one of the main reasons I grew up to be a teacher! I went to Bellehaven Elementary from 2005-2010 and he was the kind of person who could brighten anybody’s day. PE was my favorite class and I remember being excited to go each week. As a child who hardly knew safety, I knew he was a safe space.
Wearing his windbreaker pants and a Bellehaven ES T-shirt, he was present for each child in more ways than as a Physical Education teacher. He would cheer children on during performances, sit with you at your lunch tables, and always had a smile on his face.
I’m so sad hearing of his passing and want to extend my deepest condolences to his family. Any student of his can agree that he always spoke of his love for you in any way he could. To grieve someone is proof of your love for them. May he rest in peace🩷
2
Jamie and Norva,
I’m so sorry to hear about Chip’s passing. He was such a great man, and honestly one of the kindest men I’ve ever known. I loved his stories, and seeing him in his element on the piano was moving beyond words.
I remember one time at Christmas, I asked him to play “OPP” (by Naughty By Nature) on the piano, and he didn’t know the song. I pulled it up and let him listen to it for about a minute, and then he played it flawlessly. I was so impressed. It was so awesome. He was a machine on the piano.
Chip spread joy wherever he was. I feel so lucky and blessed to have known him. He loved his family like no other, and led by example with the love that he showed every day towards everyone he cared about.
Chip had a huge heart and he didn’t care if everyone knew it. To say that’s admirable is a massive understatement. He was a great man and he will be missed.
Sending love and prayers to you all. Hang in there.
Thoughts and Love
Skylar
0
Fifty + years ago I met Chip and Norva at Chip's parents house. They were sitting on the step-down to the family room. Chip was running his hands thru Norva's beautiful blonde hair......a movement I was to see many more times.
I did not know then that they would become my brother and sister-in-law, and best friends. God Bless you both.
0
Share with others
