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Kurt Saldin Obituary
July 28, 1948 ~ January 15, 2017
Kurt was born in Spokane, WA on July 28, 1948, the son of James Alec Saldin and Montana Saldin (Nimbar). He passed away peacefully at home on January 15, 2017 after a long struggle with ALS. Growing up in Seattle, he and his brother played baseball all through their school years. In 1966 he graduated from Shoreline H.S. and in 1970 from Western Washington University where he studied philosophy. He traveled the country for years for his antique business which he loved almost as much as his golf. In 1994 Kurt and Cindy Saldin (Mudgett) were married and made their home in Sudden Valley. They took many trips together, visiting family in Florida, visiting his sister in Sonoma, and touring the national parks, always with golf clubs in tow. Kurt had a unique sense of humor and he kept us all laughing with his totally original wit. He is much loved by all of us, his lifelong friends from childhood, and his golfing buddies (who call him Bert). Kurt is survived by his wife, Cindy, her son Jeffrey Mudgett (Cyndi), and her daughter Sara Fitzpatrick (Daren) and three grandchildren, Jesse, Owen, and Anna Mudgett, all of Ft. Myers, FL; his mother, Montana Saldin and sister Kim File of Seattle; sister Karen Collins of Sonoma, CA; brother Kerry Saldin (Josie), nephew Miguel Saldin (Mary) and their two children, Sebastian and Malea Saldin, all of Seattle. They knew him as "Magic Man".
If you wish, memorial donations may be made to the Evergreen Chapter of the ALS Assoc. or to Whatcom Hospice. Our gratitude goes out to both of these caring organizations.
There will be a celebration of Kurt's life at a later date.
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Memories and Condolences
for Kurt Saldin
Sponsored by The Family.
Diane Thormahlen
April 29, 2025
We had lots of fun and laughter as kids, didn´t we, Kurt? Hopefully we will meet again in the great beyond and continue the laughter and joy!! Peace, my cousin.
Cheryl
June 18, 2024
Kurt had a fine, sharp wit and a finely tuned intellect. We spent some time discussing (arguing?) philosophy and deeper things. He always made me laugh and he always made me think. The world was better because you were in it, and it is a little less shiny with you gone.
Karen (Ky) Collins
January 14, 2023
Hard to believe tomorrow is the 6th anniversary of Kurt's death. We continue to miss him just as much as ever...though it helps to reminisce and share stories of our times with Kurt. We're grateful for what he added to our lives. He was a charming, kind, wonderful brother.
Karen Collins
January 10, 2021
Approaching the 4th anniversary of Kurt's death......but seems like yesterday. I miss him now as much as I did 4 years ago. I couldn't have had a better brother.....Lucky me. Ky
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kurt and cindy in leavenworth
cindy saldin
January 12, 2020
On this third anniversary, I wanted to share a picture of Kurt and me in one of our favorite places across the mountains. We had so many good times there and a beautiful golf course made them all that much better. You are in my heart forever, love. Cindy
January 11, 2020
Its now been close to 3 years since Kurt died. We miss him even more. He was a dear and much beloved son, brother, cousin, husband and friend. We still regale and comfort ourselves with Kurt stories. We are grateful that he was such an important part of our lives.
Ky (his sister) ❤❤❤❤
Tom Saldin
January 10, 2020
Really, really missed Kurt at our reunion last summer. But of course we remembered him and talked of him (and not just at the time of Ky's sweet words). He was in our hearts.
Dick Murray
January 19, 2018
It has been a great honor and privilege to have been a close friend of Kurt's. We meet in little league sports and became good friends in high school. We migrated to Southern California after graduation, and lived together for a year. We had many adventures including hitchhiking between California and Seattle at lest twice.We lived together again outside of Bellingham. We attended concerts, festivals, and party's to numerous to recount. Kurt was a very fun loving guy but also a very intelligent man and a serious and hard working student. A good athlete with a strong competitive nature, he did not like to lose. I took my lumps when I foolishly challenged him at ping pong. I was never foolish enough to challenge him at golf. Kurt was a kind, considerate and generous friend. He inspired me to think in a bigger, deeper way that I surely never would have. Having his friendship and influence made me a better man. I will always remember him. Dick
BEN RICE
January 18, 2018
I met Kurt during our senior year at Shoreline HS in 1965. We became fast friends as we both enjoyed playing hooky. A couple years before he passed away I was visiting and he cracked up laughing remembering how we were behind the school instead of in class when the Principal rounded a corner and was making his way towards us....and I took off running. I disappeared across a field and into some woods when the Principal got to Kurt. He asked, "who is that kid?" and Kurt replied, "I don't know but I'll go find out", whereupon he ran the same way I had gone, leaving the befuddled Principal behind. Well, despite his love of such antics, Kurt had a love of reading great books. By the time he started college, his interest in philosophy and metaphysical teachings of the world's great masters was something that all of his friends benefited from. His creativity and seemingly unlimited interest in the "BIG" questions of life had us all reading and studying our world and challenging outmoded ways. The mid 1960's were potent years for that sort of thinking. He became an excellent student and worked very hard to earn "A:s in philosophy at Western Washington. He was rewarded for his hard work with "A's and became famous for bringing challenging ideas forward in his classes... so much so that students would show up for the last ten minutes of his classes to hear what Kurt would bring up.
Kurt, with his long hair, incredible eyes and charm was one of those people who always made people want to talk to him... to find out what he was about. It didn't matter if he was at a party, a demonstration against the Viet Nam war, a rock festival, or just walking down the street, people were drawn to him.
He was a brother in the most profound way to me and I will always be grateful for his friendship. If I make it to Heaven I hope Kurt will show me how to get out of the boring classes.
Lynn Gruenwald
June 27, 2017
Kurt was a good friend to me in the late 70s and early 80s during the warm months in Michigan. He was kind, funny, and sweet. He taught me how to field a softball as a beginning infielder on my company team...took me to Clearwater golf club in Saugatuck late afternoons where he practiced and I marveled at his swing...taught me to appreciate Parrish and Fox prints and floor lamps with beaded shades...and was an all-around good guy. So sorry to hear he struggled with ALS, yet so glad to hear he had such a loving wife, family, and friends. May his gentle spirit be at peace.
Diane Doyon
April 9, 2017
I was just thinking of Kurt, not sure why, so looking him up found this. He was my first boyfriend back many years ago, who I met at a Peace March in Seattle so very long ago! With his Long curly hair and turquoise eyes he doesn't sound to different from how others remember him in his more recent life. He taught me how to run down hills full speed threw the woods, he loved golf way back then and was a caddy, loving life and all it has to offer! God bless you and all of your loved ones who must be missing your presence. .
Tom Saldin
February 15, 2017
Cousin Kurt always did things his way with a flair and sense of humor that was more than a little reminiscent of his dad and his many Saldin aunts and uncles. Gives us big smiles just as his courageous battle with ALS gives us utmost respect. Condolences and love to all the family.
Brother Kerry & wife Jo Jo Saldin
February 12, 2017
Kurt was a soft-spoken brother who lived his life in his own way. He was a loving husband to wife and soulmate Cindy. He loved golf and enjoyed his antique business and amazing personal collection. We will also miss his sense of humor. Rest in peace brother Kurt, our "Magic Man."
Kerry Saldin
February 12, 2017
Kurt was a soft spoken brother who lived life in his own way. He was a loving husband to wife and soul mate, Cindy. He loved golf and enjoyed his antique business and amazing personal collection. We miss his sense of humor. Rest in peace, brother Kurt, our "magic man".
Brother Kerry Saldin and wife Jojo
Coleen Thompson
February 11, 2017
I will always remember your quick smile and wonderful humor. You will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing you and my dear friend Cindy. Rest in peace my friend.
Ron Grassmann
February 10, 2017
Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to the friends and family of Kurt. Many of us in the Fox collecting club have gotten to know Kurt these past few years and have grown to deeply admire and respect him for his willingness to share his knowledge of illustration art. More, we will miss him for who he was.
Kurt at Puyallup Antiques Show (his booth)
Chris Wong
February 10, 2017
Kurt was an early member of the R.A. Fox Society and an expert on his life and works. It was always a pleasure to see Kurt at the antique shows. He would often have something special under his tables for my mother (pictured with him in this photo). My condolences to his family. The Fox community will dearly miss him.
Joe Saldin
February 6, 2017
Kurt had a true joy for life. Everyone who knew him appreciated his wonderful sense of humor and his mischievous smile.
My heart goes out to Kurt's family for their loss.
grandpa Kurt with Owen, Anna & Jesse
February 4, 2017
Kurt's Crew
Miguel Saldin
February 3, 2017
Miguel, Mary, Sebastian & Malea Saldin
February 3, 2017
Sebastian and Malea (8 and 5) knew our Uncle Kurt as "magic man" and both Uncle Kurt and Sebastian had matching "lucky hats" they liked to wear and tell stories of their good fortune. Like us, they will remember his fun stories, his unique dry humor and his easy-going nature when we spent time together on family trips and holidays. On a recent visit, Kurt gave his old baseball glove to Sebastian, who is excited to carry on the Saldin tradition of playing baseball as he starts Little League this spring. We have always and will always look up to Uncle Kurt, and we are grateful for the happy times we had together.
Celeste Saldin-Ferguson
January 31, 2017
Kurt, you were much loved and will be missed. But I am happy that you have completed your journey and are free from pain and suffering. You are joining so many of the Saldin family. Could you say hi to my mom and dad and all the others? Save room for the rest of us, will you?
Sharon, Jim, Susan, John, and Ron and families
January 29, 2017
The Ted Saldin family would like to express our deepest condolences to Cindy, Aunt Tana, Ky, Kerry, Kim, and families. Kurt was such a cool guy a great cousin. And his historical knowledge was amazing - was a pleasure working and visiting with Kurt on family genealogy.
January 28, 2017
Dear Cindy and family,
Words cannot make this difficult time easier... but we hope just
knowing we care and that we are here for you, can help.
You were blessed with a wonderful husband and he will be greatly missed by many.
With caring thoughts, Ken & Jan Rutgers
Kurt and all of his best golf buddies.
Kerri Larrabee
January 27, 2017
January 27, 2017
We send healing wishes to all the family.
He will be missed. From friends of Kurts
sister, Karen, in Sonoma.
Jim Bergner
January 24, 2017
I always enjoyed golfing when Bert was in the group or when he would just show up during a round in a golf cart to follow and watch. I will never forget that look he would give you just before unleashing one of his great "Bert Isms" on you. I can say I have never met anyone with a sense of humor like Bert and many times I was on the receiving end of a "Bert Ism". You will be truly missed my friend, but your "Bert Isms" will continue to live on with those of us who were lucky enough to know such a great guy.
Kerri Larrabee
January 23, 2017
Kurt/Bert, you will be missed by SO many. All of your golf buddies, your schoolmates, dear friends, and family. And especially by Cindy, your beloved wife and best friend. I loved your twinkling eyes, your endearing smile, and most of all, your quick wit. You always made me laugh (my favorite thing to do) and I will always smile when I think of you. I hope you are playing the back nine . . . and crushing it! Much love to you Cindy.
Karen (Ky) Collins
January 22, 2017
I am Kurt's sister. Lucky me. I couldn't have asked for a better brother. He was loyal, kind, generous, witty, intelligent, good company, and he told me a pretty good golfer. Not much of a cook but made a mean cup of coffee. He led a full and satisfying life and, along with his wonderful wife Cindy, was courageous and uncomplaining during his struggle with ALS. He will be missed by many. But especially his family.
Rich Fonda
January 22, 2017
Kurt was truly unique, and I enjoyed playing golf with him. His wit was huge, and most welcome on the golf course. I am glad that I knew him, and will miss him.
Julie and Jerry Shearer
January 22, 2017
"Bert" was truly an original! When I think of him I smile. He will be missed. Hugs and love to you Cindy.
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