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Andrew Salter

May 16, 2013

On Thursday, May 16th, 2013, Andrew “Luke” Salter, in his 50th year suddenly passed away in London, Ontario.  Beloved husband of Trish (Yost), loving father of Amanda and David.  Son of Robina and the late Dr. Robert B. Salter, brother of David (Margita), Nancy (Robert), Jane (Greg) and Stephen (Fernanda).  Brother-in-law of Kathy Young (Bill), Barb Yost and John Yost (Jan).  Fondly remembered by nieces and nephews Shannon (Rob), Tara (Rob), Mark (Jessica), Sean (Laura), Christie, Jamie, Laura, Aisling, Jenna, Gareth and Aoife, among other great-nieces and nephews.  Luke was a dedicated and proud London Firefighter for 19 years.  Luke loved fishing, hunting, riding his motorcycle and driving an “eighteen-wheeler” across the country.  He will be dearly missed by his family, friends and colleagues.  Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 2:00 – 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, where the funeral service will be conducted on Thursday, May 23rd, 2013 at 11:00 a.m.  As an expression of sympathy, donations made to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of London, Ontario, Muscular Dystrophy or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.

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(Donated to Muscular Dystrophy)

~ Robina Salter

Trish, David and Amanda: Our hearts go out to you. Nothing can explain the feelings you may have to loosing a loved one. Cherish the good times and hold onto the memories you have had while you were together. I pray that God will give the comfort and strength that you need during this time.

~ Tippel Family

Luke, your smile will never be forgotten my friend. My thoughts are with your family and friends. Rest in peace

~ Sandy Gray

Trish, David and Amanda and family : Words can't express how saddened we are to hear of the sudden passing of Luke. May the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers today and in the days to come. Sue, Gerard, Chris. Matt and Emily Hatchette

~ Hatchette Family

My thoughts and condolences are with Luke's family & friends. Luke will be missed but not forgotten.

~ Dave Varga

Trish & Family: We were so saddened to hear of Luke's passing. Our hearts go out to you in this time of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

~ Rita Meek & Family

Luke has made such a tremendous impact on my life, and I am heartbroken to hear of his loss. He was a wonderful man, and had so much to give, and to offer... it saddens me to no end that this is no longer to be. I send my most heartfelt condolences to Luke's family, and especially his children - he is so very proud of you, and you are much loved. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. Andrea.

~ Andrea Johnson

To the Salter Family, I'm sad to hear about the passing of a great guy Tim. I had the honor to get to know him briefly at HW group. He will be sadly missed by his HW group!! Jen

~ Jennifer

Trish and Family. We are so very sad to hear of Luke's passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

~ Todd, Tracy, Emily and Matt Atkinson

I had the pleasure of getting to know Luke earlier this year at HW in Guelph. We got along really well and it was great sharing stories with each other. I did not know him for long, but he was a pal to me during a very important and pivotal time in my life and he will not be forgotten because of that.

~ William Elliott

Dear Robbie and Family: I was deeply sadenned on hearing the news about Luke's passing. You have certainly endured your share of unfortunately events in the last couple of years. Fortunately you are strong and there will be happier events in the years to come! If there is anything I can do please be in touch. Sincerely, Allan E. Gross

~ Allan Gross

Luke, I miss you, but recall your smile and how you listened, observed, and then shared your wisdom, a thoughtful insight. And thank you for often being present at special hours, as you were the night your father passed on. Always in loving remembrance, Luke, and gratitude for all you were and are. Mom.

~ Robina, Luke's mother

Dear Trish, Amanda and David: We are all deeply saddened to know the sudden loss you have suffered, and our hearts are heavy at this time. Our hope for you in the days & weeks to follow, is that you will feel comforted surrounded by the healing thoughts and love of family and, by the sincere expressions of condolences from your community, friends and neighbors. We share your sadness, and trust that peace will calm your hearts, as we remember Luke. Sincerely, Dean & Helen Rusland & Family

~ Rusland Family

Dear Trish, Amanda and David, We were so sorry to hear about Luke's passing. May the wonderful memories of your husband and father help you during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Nada Ray, Rachel and Ryan

~ Schott Family

Growing up, Luke was quick to see the funny side of situations. His sense of humour was a real gift to us, his brothers and sisters. He also had a keen sense of mischief, but the good kind, and you knew when you were about to be teased when his eyes began to twinkle. As a boy, locks meant something really interesting must be waiting for him on the other side, so he learned to open them without benefit of keys. I don't believe Luke enjoyed conventional book learning, but he had a photographic memory which made it tough to win an argument with him about who said what, and when. I learned not to try. At the dinner table, he could recite word for word what he had heard from any given teacher that day. He especially loved learning history. Luke was incredibly proud of his children Amanda and David. I loved seeing him so relaxed with David at the wedding of my son Mark and daughter-in-law Jessica in Jamaica. It struck me then that in addition to a father-son relationship, the two of them had a beautiful friendship. After Luke died, I couldn't hear the siren of a fire engine without feeling overwhelming waves of grief, knowing he could no longer ride to someone's aid along with the other knights, his firefighting brothers. Luke was a natural protector who lived to help others, and it's tragic that toward the end of his life he wasn't able to welcome the help that was offered to him from so many. To all of you who tried, you have my eternal gratitude. Luke was a gentle giant, and I miss him terribly. Stephen Salter

~ Stephen Salter

(Donated to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of London)

~ Jane and Greg

Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow. We hope that you find courage and strength to bear this irreparable loss.

~ Ali, Syed and Farah

(Donated to Muscular Dystrophy)

~ Will Comrie

(Donated to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of London)

~ The Mays Family

(Donated to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of London)

~ J. Elrington

(Donated to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of London)

~ Sue Campbell, Krista & Matt

(Donated to Salvation Army Stratford Chapter)

~ Sue and Bill Little

(Donated to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of London)

~ Erin Hartley

(Donated to Muscular Dystrophy)

~ Mary Martin

(Donated to Muscular Dystrophy)

~ Bruce and Cindy McGee

(Donated to Muscular Dystrophy)

~ Michael McIntyre

(Donated to Muscular Dystrophy)

~ sue hatchette

(Donated to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of London)

~ Frank and Dilys Doe

(Donated to Mount Sinai Hospital, Orthopaedic Research Fund)

~ Allan E. Gross

(Donated to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of London)

~ Nancy Salter

(Donated to Muscular Dystrophy)

~

Trish and Family - We are so sorry for your loss and are thinking about you today. Kate, Sophie and Jack Jones

~ Kate Jones

Dear Trish, Amanda and David: We were shocked and saddened by your sudden loss of Andrew and can only trust you will find strenghth in the memories of his achievements during an all too short life. We are certain that your family will provide great support. Our deepest sympathy to all of you . Erni&Dick

~ Ernestine & Dick Ogilvie

Amanda and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. You are all in my prayers.

~ Rebecca Greenside

Trish, Amanda and David, Our deepest sympathies go out to you. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Jamie, Erin, Jessica, Matthew and Adam Hartley

~ Hartley Family

You were always a gentleman, good Firefighter and took time to listen. You will be missed.

~ Peter Harding

To my dear friend Robbie and her family. I am thinking of you all during this very sad time of loss of a dear son, father, and brother. Luke. As you now hold the happy memories in your heart I wish you peace. Lynne McIndoe Meredith Toronto

~ Lynne McIndoe Meredith

I was shocked to hear of the sudden loss of Luke , i had lost contact with him over the years but would hear about how he was doing and how he had become a great family man, i think of all the great times we had , the four amigo's , John Terry , Paul Terranova Luke and myself , renting houses and living life , i will cherish the memories of a fun and gentle guy with an easy going personality that everyone loved , you will be missed my friend . my prayers are with you and your family.

~ GARY NICHOLLS

Luke was an amazing person with enormous abilities, which continually impressed me. He was full of joy and adventure and enthusiasm throughout most of his life. He was wonderfully perceptive in his early years and had a wry sense of humor with a contagious room-shaking laugh. He was strong and enormously brave. I loved him and miss him dearly. I am greatly saddened that so many will never have the opportunity to come to know this larger than life man whom I used to call my "baby brother." He touched many, many lives and was always memorable. I was proud of Luke and walked beside him through good and not so good times. I knew Luke extremely well and extend my deep personal condolences to our mother, Trish, David, Amanda, my brother and sisters, our extended families, his friends, colleagues, and “Buddy” as we each painfully struggle in our own ways to try and reach a sense of peace and understanding of Luke’s sudden, untimely and unexpected passing. I know that I will never, ever be the same as I continue to age and you don't. God bless you Luke. Luke’s oldest brother David

~ David Salter

Dear Salter family. I don't know how to begin to express my feelings on the loss of Luke. What I do know is that; Luke is and forever will be my deepest and closest friends that I’ve ever had. The Terranova Family chose Luke because of his honesty, devotion and caring persona to be Godfather for our child Samantha. I met Luke when he was 14 we instantly became just like brothers growing up in those important learning years. I always knew then by the type of person he was that we were always to be best friends. What a loss! Every day from here on I’ll be missing him, I love you Luke. Paul

~ Paul Terranova

As a childhood friend, neighbour and schoolmate of David and former patient of Dr. Salter, I was deeply saddened to read of Luke's death and extend my sympathies to the Salter family.

~ George McNeillie

My dear Trish, What can I say. I am thinking of you and your children and am with you in spirit. I am so sorry. I know there are no comforting words right now so I just wanted you to know that you are very much in my thoughts and prayers. With love, caring and hugs, Peggy

~ Peggy Denomme

Luke, you will be missed so much by all, I will miss that dry sense of humor and that look, that would erupt the room into laughter. Our heartfelt condolences to Trish and the family.

~ Tom Mathers and Rose Ryan

Trish, Amanda and David, I am so saddened to hear about Luke, husband and father to you. My heartfelt condolances to you and the family in what must be a most difficult time. Even though Luke is no longer with us, remember all the happier times and cherish these memories. He will remain in our hearts forever. Your friend from Ryerson, Michelle

~ Michelle Maxim

I am so saddened to hear of Luke's passing Luke had a huge heart and found room in his heart to add a smart little four legged dachshund to his family. My thoughts are with Trish and his family.

~ Linda Collier

While Luke was my 'little brother', he was a very big human being with an extraordinary capacity for generosity toward others. He was smart and thoughtful, often bringing unusual and meaningful insights into complex situations. Luke had a quick wit and an infectious laugh and I loved him dearly. He was also an exceptionally brave and loyal man, qualities which I and others much admired in him. His sudden death came just days before his 50th birthday and I am profoundly saddened that I will not know him as he would have evolved. There is a void within me which will remain forever, as will haunting uncertainties. My personal condolences to our mother, Robina, to Trish, Amanda, David,my brothers David and Stephen, my sister Jane, to their families and to Luke's many friends and colleagues. God be with you Luke, Your older sister, Nancy

~ Nancy Salter

Our thoughts are with you all,

~ Scott Family

Rest in peace brother.. Sincere condolences to the entire family and London Fire, from Brampton Fire and Emergency Services. Stay strong.

~ Kevin Porter

Luke, when you weren't smiling you had a smirk on your face that made me think that there was a joke or a funny story just waiting to be shared. You will be missed by more people that you ever realized. Rest in peace my friend, my brother, my fellow firefighter. Trish, take comfort in the knowledge that you have a family here for you, for what ever you may need.

~ John Sutton

always enjoyed our "catch-ups" you will be missed bro

~ peter rowan

To Trish and the rest of the Salter family, I extend my deepest sympathies at the loss of Luke. We had grown apart over the years as people do due to family and work committments. I had the fortunate pleasure of reconnecting with Luke this past January in London. He had not lost that great sense of humour or wry smile that everyone came to know and love. You will be missed my friend. I will never forget you, Cool Hand, Moonshine Luke. Rest In Peace.

~ Paal Helgesen

I love you Luke. My heart is with you and with the many people who love you.

~ Jane Salter

Dear Salter family, no words can ever make up for this sudden and tragic loss of such an honourable human being. Luke is unique. I know that everyone knows what I mean. Luke and I met when we were just fourteen and hit it off immediately.We shared a love of the great outdoors and adventure, which I'm sure is how we ended up racing around in cars and eventually rolling out west in Luke's old van. We decided to get jobs on a cattle ranch south of Calgary and play cowboys for real. Two city kids from the old neighbourhood.I wonder if we really had them fooled. That is Luke Salter "well let's not talk about it all day, let's go and do it". I'll love and miss you. you're great. See yuh buddy

~ John McGovern

Trish & Family, I am so sorry to hear about Luke. Please know that I am thinking about you and sending hugs, love and prayers to you and the kids. Take strength in the good memories you built together and keep the kids close for hugs. Love from your Ryerson friend - Judith

~ Judith Schuman (nee Fowlie)

Rest in Peace my good friend. You were like the friendly giant in high school( Northern secondary) and just a great man. My condolences to the family. I love you man and will miss you. Dave

~ Dave Williams

To my dear friend Robina, mother, mentor, writer, and the Salter family... I am so sorry to hear of this sad sad news, no mom wants to carry this heavy load. I have been thinking of you and the immediate family since. I have also read the lovely heartfelt thoughts and Luke, (we met once), I get the feeling you were one loved father, husband and brother! God Bless!

~ Lina Risi , Toronto

Dear Trish, Amanda, David and the Salter Family Our deepest sympathies go out to you in this most difficult time. Affectionately Bruce, Dina, Evelyn, Sarah

~ Annis family

To Dearest Trish, David and Amanda, It is with such a heavy heart that I am writing this. Luke was a wonderful man with a beautiful family that he was so proud of. We will always remember Luke's dry sense of humour, his larger-than-life presence, his sparkly eyes and his infectious grin. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his loved ones. Know that Luke will be dearly missed and remembered with love and admiration. The Mays Family

~ The Mays Family

Dear Robbie, Please accept my deepest sympathy on the death of your beloved son. I want you to know that I am thinking of you and your family at this time. Mimi Hollenberg

~ mimi Hollenberg

My most sincere condolences to Trish and family. Luke, your absence will be a void that will be hard to fill. Your smile and sense of humour will be sorely missed by all. Rest peacefully brother.

~ Karen Dunster

My sympathies and best wishes in these dark days are with all of your family and particularly, with Trish, Amanda and David, Robina and Luke's brothers and sisters. I, like everyone, am deeply shocked and saddened by Luke's sudden and unexpected death and find myself struggling with these words to bring some small shred of comfort to family and friends and to myself. I met Luke when he was just twelve. Even at that early age his eyes were so very blue and sparkly and his enthusiasm for sharing his interests and his laughter drew me in so completely I felt instantly at ease. He made me feel included in your family. Because of changes in circumstances, Luke and I did not have contact for many years of his adult life but to my great delight we connected again at my daughter's wedding (Stephen's eldest daughter, Luke's niece) in Vancouver in 2009. Luke was warm and welcoming and we talked about his life with Trish and Amanda and David, and the challenges and joys of his job as a firefighter. I marveled that after all this time his eyes could still be so blue and sparkly and his enthusiasm and laughter as engaging as ever. In 2011, Luke and I met again at my son's wedding celebration in Jamaica. Luke would arrive at dinner in the evenings wearing that trademark smile of his, having spent a beautiful day sailing or swimming or diving with David. He was so proud of his family. Luke left an indelible impression of grace and humour and love on my heart and I am grateful to have been able to share such joyful times in our family with him. I was lucky to meet him all those years ago and privileged to have him as a brother-in-law. He will be so terribly missed by all who loved him. Jamie (Luke's former sister-in-law)

~ Jillian (Jamie) Elrington

Words fall short of expressing my sorrow for your loss.

~ Brent Shea

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