William C. Salmon

William C Salmon

William C Salmon, 66, resident of Albuquerque, NM, and Murray, Alaska, died suddenly on Oct 31, 2016 from complications related to a dissected aorta He was surrounded by his family, who traveled from near and far to be with him

Bill was a lawyer and songwriter who enjoyed sharing his music with friends around the campfire, at family weddings, and at his and his wife Linda's infamous Halloween parties He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, goofy humor, and love for zombies

Bill was born in Norwalk, Conn on Feb 11, 1950, the son of the late Robert Salmon, Jr and Marjorie H Salmon He attended public schools in New Canaan and graduated from New Canaan High School in 1968 In high school, Bill was an honors student, on the varsity tennis team, and a member of numerous clubs He graduated from the University of Connecticut, where he also played varsity tennis, in 1972, and from Ohio Northern University School of Law in 1975 After graduating, Bill joined the law firm of Rucci & Reardon in New Canaan

Bill first discovered New Mexico while visiting his brother Rick in 1975 In 1984, he resettled in Albuquerque with Kris Olson and their two daughters The next year, he and Mark Rhodes founded the law firm of Rhodes & Salmon, PC He and Kris divorced in 1988, but continued to co-parent Not long after, Bill met and married Linda Winter, the great love of his life, with whom he enjoyed exploring the world, at home and abroad Together they traveled the back roads of New Mexico and Arkansas, the Caribbean, Mexico, and much of Europe and the US

In 2015, Bill retired from law to devote time to music, art and travel Over the years, he and his band, Swamp de Ville, performed at many venues in and around Albuquerque Bill recorded four full-length albums, and his songs twice were nominated for the New Mexico Music Awards Tunes like My Secret Airforce and Planet Made of Dreams will play on in the minds of his family and friends

Bill is survived by his wife of 26 years, Linda Winter, and their children and grandchildren Children and their partners from Bill's prior marriage to Kris Olson are Briana Olson and Joe Atzberger of Seattle, Wash, and Chloe Olson-Salmon and Layton Hansen of Albuquerque Children from Linda's marriage to Larry Winter are Jesse Winter, his wife Anita Cordova, and Caroline Wilson Bill and Linda's young grandchildren are Jude, Aubrianna, Mariana, and Arlo, all of Albuquerque Bill is also survived by brothers Bob of Vero Beach, Fla, and Rick of Tijeras, NM, their wives, and many loving uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews

A private memorial service will be held in January

Contributions in Bill's memory may be made to Albuquerque Healthcare for the Homeless, PO Box 25445, Albuquerque, NM 87125, or online at wwwabqhchorg

- The Family