Robert Salisbury

Robert "Bob" Cameron Salisbury, 81, of Sarasota, Florida, passed away on October 20, 2025, surrounded by his loving family taking his "final flight West into the sunset"

Born on November 7, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York, Bob was the son of Robert E. Salisbury and Grace Rowe Salisbury. His childhood took him from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to Mexico City before the family settled in Miami, where he graduated Palmetto High School in 1961.

Bob attended Florida State University, earning his undergraduate degree and later his MBA. While there, he joined ROTC and upon graduation he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He served in the USAF as a F100 Super Sabre pilot for 6 years completing a tour in Vietnam (1967-1968) and three years in the 79th squadron at RAF Woodbridge, England.

After leaving active duty, Bob joined the Air Force reserve for the next 15 years and was promoted to Lt. Colonel. In 1974 he joined The Upjohn Company in Portage, Michigan. In 1988 he became Chief Financial Officer and later Executive Vice President and CFO of Pharmacia & Upjohn until his retirement in 1998.

While living in Portage Michigan with his family, Bob was very involved in philanthropic work serving on various committees and boards including the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, United Way of Kalamazoo and the Kalamazoo Foundation.

In retirement, Bob and his wife, Linda, divided their time between Florida, Michigan and North Carolina, where he enjoyed golf, hiking, biking, and travel. Among his proudest accomplishments was climbing Mount Kilimanjaro at age 62.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years Linda (Lindefield), daughters Dianne Divine and Brenda Salisbury (spouse Brad Jackson), grandsons Daniel Lesley and David Gatiss, his uncle Bruce Rowe, siblings Joyce Salisbury, Elizabeth Kennedy, and Nancy Salisbury, and his nieces and nephews.

Bob's life was defined by service and integrity. He will be remembered for his steady character and dry sense of humor.

Memorial donations may be made to The Kalamazoo Foundation or charity of choice.