Robert E. Salmonson

Bob was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1948, but spent most of his school years in Redford, Michigan, graduating from Thurston High School in 1966. He studied drafting and design at Schoolcraft College.

Bob had a great passion for music. He was a self-taught guitarist that loved to perform with his band, Burning the Edge, at local establishments. He loved to sing and play guitar for friends and could always be depended on to bring his guitar and deep baritone vocals to family get-togethers. Bob loved the Detroit Red Wings and was an architectural buff from a young age. Some of his favorite designs were created by the great Frank Lloyd Wright and the “architect of Detroit,” Albert Kahn.

Bob enjoyed working for Redford Township for many years. After retirement, he could be found on the golf course in Michigan and at his beloved house in Florida in the winter. It is in Florida that he found a new passion working for WKDW- FM 97.5 radio in North Port. At the station, Bob volunteered as their web manager while writing and producing his Rock Show as the infamous disc jockey, Bob Miller.

Bob is survived by his sister Hazel Munro (Gerald), niece Connie Roberts (Perry), niece Susan Larimer, nephew Greg Brooks (Carole), and nephew Steve Johnson (Tammy). He is also survived by numerous great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews and many life-long friends. Bob is pre-deceased by his parents Einer and Anna Salmonson, his sister Barbara Johnson-Kane, his brother James Salmonson, his brother-in-law Hollis Johnson and brother-in-law Jack Kane.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at the Harry J. Will Funeral Home at 37000 W. Six Mile Rd., Livonia, MI 48152. Visitation will take place from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and a memorial service will follow at 12:00 pm on Saturday, September 30, 2023.

We invite you to make a donation to the Finnish Center Association in Farmington Hills, MI or WKDW – FM 97.5 radio in North Port, FL in Bob’s honor. Thank you.