Maurice Emil Salminen
AZ / VT: Maurice Emil Salminen died peacefully at his home in Sierra Vista, Arizona on June 12, 2023.
Maurice was born in Cobalt, Ontario, Canada on October 4, 1927. He was sent to Finland at the age of 3. At age 9, he was sent to America where he lived in Boys’ homes and with relatives until high school when he worked on his parents’ farm and general store in Townsend, MA.
Maurice was drafted into the Army in 1946 upon finishing high school and was on the first boat sent to occupy Japan. Following his time in the Army, he returned to Townsend.
He met Carole Hamburg at a church play before he entered the Navy to become a dental technician during the Korean War. They were married on November 15, 1952, and he loved her for 70 years plus of marriage.
Maurice became a high school Science teacher and with their four children, he and Carole set up households in TN, VT, KS, AZ, CO, TX, ME, and MA while he taught in public and private schools. He touched thousands of students’ lives with his genuine love of teaching. He taught Science at Enosburg Falls High School starting in 1974.
Maurice enjoyed fishing, hiking, woodworking, painting, and fixing everything big and small. He loved helping others. His Christian faith was strong and he helped build a church in Kansas. Maurice was a lay speaker who loved to share his faith with others.
He is survived by his wife, Carole (Hamburg) Salminen, his daughters Susan Salminen and Nancy Salminen, grandchildren Jed Salminen, Stevie Salminen, Ryan Salminen, Danny Bregman, Tristan Donaldson, Caleb Donaldson, Maebeleine Salminen, and Halley Churney. He has two great-grandchildren, Oskari Maurice Salminen and Kaya Rae Bregman.
Maurice is predeceased by his two sons, John Salminen and Robert (Bob) Salminen.
Condolences can be sent to Carole Salminen, 3477 Rodeo Dr. #224 Sierra Vista, AZ 85635 or [email protected]
