Known as "Ron", he was the eldest son of the late Rev. Ralph I. and Fern Owens Salzman. The family moved to San Pedro, CA when Ron was 8. His childhood was marked by a deep interest in chemistry and things of nature. He studied Chemistry continuously since he was 16. He graduated as Valedictorian of his class from San Pedro High School.
He attended Long Beach State College where a Chemistry professor urged him to transfer to UCLA. He graduated from UCLA and immediately entered the graduate program in Chemistry. However. The U.S. Army was looking for Chemists to strengthen its' program in Chemical Education. Ron was drafted and, after completing basic training at Ft. Ord, CA, was sent to the national Headquarters of the chemical Corp School, then located at Ft. McClellan, Alabama. Ron was involved in teaching basic chemistry to recruits, and performing chemical experiments during his time there.
Ron was deeply committed to the Lord Jesus Christ and the Christian faith. While in Anniston, AL he looked around to find a church to attend, and met a young lady who was studying piano at Birmingham Southern College in Birmingham, AL. They quickly became friends, and classical music was their initial mutual enjoyment. They soon decided they would be married. Her name? Virginia Ann Harbin. They were married for 59 years.
Ron returned to UCLA to complete his Ph.D. and U of Arizona invited him to join the faculty. He enjoyed Physical Chemistry research, teaching and served the department as Department head, chair of the Space Committee, and, as the Alzheimer's was descending, served as Liaison with the University Architectural Committee designing and building the Chemical Research Building.
Ron became a volunteer and hard worker in Christ Community Church, teaching Sunday School for 30 years, and becoming the fourth Elder chosen when the church voted to follow the Elder system of governance in 1978. His wife remains a member of the church.
Dr. William R. Salzman is survived by his wife, Virginia, daughters Suzanne and Sandra (Chip Kavanaugh); grandchildren Jonathan, Caleb (Jane), Jacob, and Gracie. His brother Lon E. Salzman and wife Catherine Berry Slazman (Las Vegas, NV) also survive as do many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
His was a life well lived.
The family gratefully acknowledges the loving care Ron received during his time with Alzheimer's from Starfish River Hills Assisted Care Home. Thank you very much.
The memorial service will be held at Christ Community Church, 530 S. Pantano Rd., on July 27, 2019 at 11:00 a.m.
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