Norman William Salmon, 90, passed away on Oct. 22, 2016 in Tucson at ‘Peppi’s House’ Hospice, after brief and unexpected health complications. Norman was a dedicated husband and father, survived by his wife, Phyllis, of 66 years; daughters, Chelley Salmon and Gayle Salmon Gale — and Alula Tzadik, who was like a son. Norman was preceded in death by his brother, Dr. Sydney Salmon, and their parents, Herbert and Edna Salmon.
A longtime Tucson resident, Norman grew up in Staten Island, N.Y. He served in the U.S. Infantry during WWII, was in the Battle of the Bulge, and was part of the liberation of Czechoslovakia. While serving in the army he serendipitously discovered his love of accounting, which motivated him to become a CPA.
After graduating from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science in business administration in 1948, he married Phyllis, the love of his life, and moved to Tucson in 1950. He worked to establish a local accounting firm, then later became a partner with Laventhol and Horwath — developing lifelong friendships with many of his clients who remember him for his service with a smile.
Norman was known for his positive outlook on life, and was extremely active in the Tucson community, with a passionate love of art and music. He was very involved with and served as president of the Tucson Symphony, and was an active board member of Arizona Friends of Chamber Music. He was instrumental in bringing well known artists to Tucson, including Arthur Fiedler for TSO’s first concert in the new Tucson Community Center Music Hall in 1971, and Ravi Shankar in 1974.
As a Rotarian for many years, Norman especially enjoyed Rotary’s Annual Tucson Classics Car Show because of his long time passion for vintage automobiles. He absolutely adored his 1956 Jaguar XK140, which could only be driven on days with perfect weather.
Norman was an extremely kind and generous person who always tried to give back to his community. He made the decision to donate his body for medical research as a tribute to his brother, Syd, who had devoted his life to cancer research and died of pancreatic cancer in 1999. Norman’s spirit, endless curiosity, and quest for knowledge will live on through the University of Arizona Willed Body Program.
Our family wants to express much gratitude to our dear friend Alula for his devoted and nurturing care for Norman during his final days. Also, many thanks to Dr. Van Hook and Peppi’s House for their extraordinary kindness, care, and support. (And our three dogs want to thank Peppi’s for all the affection and treats during their visits!)
Norman will be missed by many for his big smile, as “HAPPY” was his middle name!
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Norman’s memory to Arizona Friends of Chamber Music (AFCM), P.O. Box 40845, Tucson, AZ 85717-0845 (please indicate on check that it is in Norman’s memory) — or the charity of your choice.
