John Edward Salisbury

When John Salisbury spoke about the lives of people of the past, events in NW history, or even some of the area's relevant historical places, it was easy to become caught up in his excitement and passion. His sharing of knowledge was present in his almost 30 years of being a classroom teacher, in his many years of being a park ranger, and during his time he spent as a Mountain Man (historical interpreter) during the local county fair and presenting in various schools ranging from across the NW, to Hawaii, and even to Japan. He started his journey in a small town in NE Washington where he spent his days fishing in the creek, playing baseball, scouting, riding horses, and skiing. He even admitted to being a bit mischievous during his youthl. After high school, he soon made his way to Pullman, Washington, to attend WSU where he earned his bachelor's degree in Psychology and Sociology. While in college, he met and married the love of his life, Janis (Walker) Salisbury. After college, John enlisted in the Air Force, where he served his stint based in Texas at Randolph Air Force Base. Leaving the Air Force, John returned to WSU two more times to receive a degree in Education. Eventually, he and his family, now including two sons, David and Matthew, moved to Oregon City where he landed a teaching job, coached middle school basketball, and led several trips with middle schoolers to Washington D.C. During these years John completed a Masters Degree in Counseling from PSU. Giving to the community was a trait he highly valued. John volunteered with Jaycees, Oregon City Sister City Program with Tateshina, Japan. Sister City meant more travels, this time to Japan and even more close friends. His volunteerism extended to other organizations that included but not limited to the McLoughlin Memorial Association, the Clackamas County Historical Society, and Clackamas Service Center. After his retirement from classroom teaching, he was hired as a ranger by the National Parks Service where he was part of the instrumental team to have brought the McLoughlin House to become a part of Fort Vancouver National Heritage Site. During his time as a park ranger, he was diagnosed with cancer. It would be part of his life for over 20 years. Yet, while he was dealing with the various treatments, he faced each day with optimism, spirit, and humor that served as a source of positivity for anyone he came across. He passed away peacefully on December 19th, at the age of 81. He is preceded in death by his parents and his son David. He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years; a son Matthew; grandchildren Erika (Ryan), Amy, Mia, and Braden; great grandchild Ivy; and many former youth that were "adopted" into the family.