Our beloved father, husband, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Thomas James Salchenberg Sr. of Monmouth, Oregon, passed away on Monday, October 31, 2022, while hospitalized in Salem at the age of 88. He was born in Sardis (Chilliwack), British Columbia, on March 3, 1934, to Albert A. and Margaret M. (Ridley) Salchenberg.

He emigrated to the United States of America with his parents on April 9, 1942, settling in Salem, Oregon. Thomas was drafted into the United States Army in 1951 and deployed to South Korea from 1953-1955. Thomas married our beautiful mother, Evelyn Smith, in 1955, and they spent 67 years together. They had four amazing sons and one beautiful daughter. Our dad was intelligent, clever, handsome, successful, and excelled at any endeavor. Dad had a long career in the paving industry, working with Jack Layton and eventually finishing his career at Layton Manufacturing building, designing and selling pavers. He was a master mechanic and was epic at restoring a vehicle that most individuals perceived as junk and turning it into an excellent hot rod. He loved watching NHRA and NASCAR racing.Thomas was a master of design. He would take a project from R&D to the finished product. Some of his designs are still in use today. He loved to take his Jeep over to Sand Lake and show it off on the dunes, then continue the fun camping with family and friends. When Thomas retired, he and his wife decided to travel and have camping adventures. Their daughter Terri and her family would accompany them on many trips. Terri enjoyed going to Howard Prairie to camp every year. She and her dad would compete to catch the biggest fish (many stories have been conveyed about who won).

Thomas was lucky to have his wife Evelyn and son Thomas Jr. who dedicated themselves to his well-being and care. He taught us all the importance of a strong work ethic, love of family above all else, and the enjoyment of living every day to the fullest. Most importantly, our dad taught us how to age with grace and dignity even when he was dealt a poor hand concerning his health.

His precious wife Evelyn Salchenberg survives Thomas, along with his children Albert Wayne Salchenberg (Colleen), Thomas James Salchenberg Jr., Clifford Allen Salchenberg (Lisa, deceased), Terri Dawn (Larry Gardner), and Gary Dwayne Salchenberg. Cherished grandchildren Felisha (Chris Hopper), Bradley (Naomia), Andrew, Johnathan, Heather (Chris Bresee), and Alex. Treasured great-grandchildren Felisitee, Aust'n, Asher, Adalynn and Huston. Amazing brother Albert Edward Salchenberg (Jeanette), his sister-in-law Shirley, and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by father Albert, mother Margaret, brother William, sister Dorothy, and sister Rosemary.

In place of flowers, please consider donating in Thomas James Salchenberg Sr.'s name to the Union Gospel Mission, Marion Polk Food share, or any charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life will occur on December 3, 2022, at 1:00 pm. Salem Masonic Lodge 1625 Brush College Rd NW, Salem, 97304