Nicholas Kennard Salem, 87, of Oakdale, California, has passed away after a battle with complications from COPD.  He is predeceased by his wife, June (Daley) Salem, his parents Samuel Salem and Kathryn Gene (Hampton) Salem, his best friend throughout his whole life, Ron Gaggini, and his committed partner Bess (Jones) Rhodes.   He is survived by his son, Nicholas K. Salem, Jr. (Doris) of Norfolk, VA, and his daughter, Traci Salem Stewart (Bill) with whom he lived in Oakdale, CA.  He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Scott Wegner and Frostt Salem (Melanie) of Suffolk, VA, William Stewart (Maddi) of Templeton, CA, Hannah Stewart Gerken (Chad), of Sonora, CA, and his three Great-grandsons, John Gerken and Russell Gerken of Sonora, CA, and Aurelius Salem of Suffolk, VA.

Nick was born in Irvona, PA on Apri 28, 1935, and he lived there throughout his early life. The family moved to Point Pleasant WV, and Nick lived there until 2013. He still always considered Point Pleasant a special place in his heart, but Irvona, PA was "HOME."

Nick had a colorful life that gave him many opportunities to have experiences with many different people.  He created life-long friends wherever he lived and worked, and he kept in touch with them on a regular basis. His service with the United States Air Force was something of which he was very proud, but very humble.  When people would thank him for his service, he would simply reply with humility, "You're Welcome." His service afforded him the training of K-9 handler, which created a lasting love for dogs and horses, and he loved to reminisce with the men he called his "brothers" about their time spent together in Service.

Family and friends were very important to Nick. He loved to tell stories of growing up on the farm in Pennsylvania with all of his cousins and extended family, and he would often say that his cousins were more like siblings to him.  He always tried to attend his High School reunions in Irvona.  Nick was a talented story-teller and writer and would often draw upon his childhood hijinks to tell a tale. Most of them were "Do as I say, not as I did" tales.

Nick had a joyous laugh, a beautiful singing voice, and a giant, authentic smile. One of his favorite past times was to watch old Hollywood movies, and his special loves were Spaghetti-Westerns and old war movies.  He could belt out show tunes with such joy, and loved to listen to music from the 40's and 50's, often singing along. He enjoyed a good cigar and a cheap bourbon, and as he got older and could no longer have either, he appreciated the finer qualities of  a Wendy's Frosty with a hot cup of coffee. Another treat he made sure to have on a Friday afternoon was a KFC chicken sandwich (Not spicy.  We made that mistake once.) and fries. Of course, nothing beat Lebanese food for his favorite way to eat. He was an avid Penn State and Steelers football fan. He would wear his Steelers masks everywhere during the Covid pandemic and discuss the past week's game with anyone who would ask. He insisted on getting the NFL Sunday Ticket on Directv so he could watch every single game.  Football season was always a good time at our house.

Our Dad was as quick with a joke as he was with a hug, and he gave out plenty of both.   He was kind, big-hearted, and loved hard. He was generous with his time, his love, and his resources.  He will be greatly missed.

Cremation will be done in CA, and burial of the remains will be interred in Point Pleasant, WV at a later date. In his memory, please give your support to any Veteran Organization.  He always appreciated the Wounded Warriors, and the work they do to support our Veterans.