William Kent SALISBURY

1949 - 2025

May 22, 1949 - April 13, 2025

Spokane - Kent Salisbury, age 75, passed away peacefully on April 13th, 2025, surrounded by loved ones after a courageous battle with malignant melanoma. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a gentle soul who will be deeply missed.

Kent was born May 22nd, 1949, in Spokane, WA, to William "Bill" SALISBURY and Gloria H. AMBACHER SALISBURY, both of Spokane. Kent's dad Bill was originally from Southern Idaho and Gloria was originally from Connell, WA. Kent grew up on the east side of Spokane and attended Bemiss Grade School, Shaw Middle School, and Rogers High School, graduating in 1967. He grew up with his two siblings, Wayne and Karen, and his youngest brother Charles joined the family when Kent was a teenager. Kent was married to Julie GODFREY from 1967-1970, and their son James was born in 1968.

Kent attended Spokane Falls Community College, Eastern Washington University, and graduated from Washington State University in 1973 with a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science. During his summer vacations, Kent worked at Old National Bank, and he continued to work there on a full-time basis after college graduation. He worked there continuously until their merger with US Bank in Portland was finalized in 1992.

In 1984, Kent married Lori KVAMME in Tacoma, WA, and the couple resided in Spokane where Lori was a Registered Nurse at Sacred Heart Medical Center. After Kent's separation from the bank, he became a full-time stay-at-home dad to his and Lori's four daughters: Katie, Amanda, Megan, and Jenelle. Kent's daughters were the light of his life, and it was his greatest task and privilege to be a part of their growth and maturation. They will always remember him for his unfailing and steady presence. He made their school lunches, chaperoned their field trips, monitored everyone's tire pressure, nurtured their independence, and helped them develop their sense of ethics and responsibility to others.

Kent had many talents and interests. On any given day, you'd find him working on a project, whether it be fixing a car, perfecting a recipe, planning a trip, or building something new. This included a wooden cabin he constructed from the ground up near Priest River, ID, a lasting gift to his family. He also completely finished and remodeled the 1907 home he and Lori resided in. His craftsmanship extended to the kitchen; he was well known for his passion and skill, cooking memorable dishes for his family. Additionally, Kent loved traveling and spending time outdoors in nature. He and Lori enjoyed camping in their camper van, spending time at the cabin, visiting national parks and monuments, and traveling with their children and grandchildren.

Kent was a faithful member of Country Homes Christian Church for nearly 30 years, where he served as a Sunday school teacher, Deacon and Elder. His faith was expansive. He would blast Willie Nelson gospel tunes to help wake his family up for church each Sunday, draw wisdom from multiple traditions, and explore deep questions about the universe. He embraced both the sacred and the scientific, and throughout his life, he radiated love, curiosity, and trust in a greater unfolding.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lori; his children, Katie Salisbury (James Halttunen), Amanda (Luke) Hutyler, Megan (Josh) de Leon, and Jenelle Salisbury (John Hotz); his 11 grandchildren, Amber Salisbury (Robert Clark), Katlyn Salisbury, Madelyn Hutyler, William Hutyler, Benjamin Hutyler, Matilda Halttunen, Gwendolyn Salisbury, Jackson de Leon, Henry Hotz, Maxwell de Leon, and Elizabeth Hotz; and his three great-grandchildren, Josiah Salisbury, Kaysen Neely, and Kora Clark. He is also survived by his siblings, Wayne Salisbury (Sue Swanson), Karen (Don) Davis, and Charles Salisbury; and many extended family members and close friends who will miss him dearly.

Kent was preceded in death by his mother, Gloria Salisbury, in 1965 and by his father, Bill Salisbury, in 2011. He was also preceded in death by his son, James Salisbury, in 2020, and his granddaughter, Julia Salisbury-Hanson, in 1992.

A celebration of Kent's life will be held at Country Homes Christian Church, on Saturday, May 10th, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kent's favorite charity organization: Heifer International at Heifer.org.