Daniel Salter

Daniel T. Salter passed away peacefully on July 26, 2025, at Heatherwood Memory Care Facility in Walnut Creek, California, due to complications from advanced dementia.

Dan was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who spent his entire life in the Bay Area. He was born and raised in Oakland and later made his home in Pleasant Hill, CA. In 1960, he joined the Berkeley Fire Department, where he proudly served for 32 years, retiring in 1993 as Deputy Fire Chief. In 1986, after becoming a paramedic, Dan played a key role in developing the Department’s paramedic program, one of his many contributions to public service.

A lover of the outdoors, Dan found joy from the forest to the sea. He spent many happy hours fishing—from trout in Lake Tahoe to marlin in Baja, Mexico, and commercial salmon fishing in the Pacific Ocean. In the early 2000s, he served as President of the Small Boat Commercial Salmon Fishing Association (SBCSFA). He enjoyed traveling with his wife, Suzanne, especially in their motorhome with their dogs, Molly and Muffy.

Dan also had a creative spirit and was gifted in many artistic pursuits. He was skilled in drawing, painting, woodworking and stained glass. As a member of the Bay Area Woodturners Association, he received recognition for his fine woodworking, earning several ribbons. He was also an active member of the Diablo Woodworkers. In later years, he advanced to furniture making, culminating in the creation of a beautiful Sam Maloof design rocking chair.

Dan will be remembered most for his kindness, his years of volunteer service with the Saint Vincent de Paul Society at Christ the King Catholic Church, and his unwavering support and encouragement for his children. Above all, he will be cherished for the deep love he shared with his wife and family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Suzanne Joy Salter of Pleasant Hill, CA; his daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth and Jon Foster of Fort Bragg, CA; his son, Scott Salter of Hayward, CA, and granddaughter Anna Salter; his son, Keith Salter of Auburn, WA, and granddaughter Brandy Salter; and his grandchildren Kelsey (Salter) Kohlman and Kyle Salter, children of his late eldest son, Daniel F. Salter.

Dan’s legacy of service, creativity, and love will live on in all who knew and loved him.

Donations in memory of Dan can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Memorial Service with be private.