Richard James Salter, BHS 1962

Richard James Salter (Dickie)
October 4, 1944 - June 6, 1960

Heroic Battle Ended For Richard Salter

Richard Salter lived each day for its own net value and for the good of others. Now all his yesterdays are gone. And all the yesterdays can not make one more tomorrow, 

But to the hundreds of friends and fellow students who knew Richard Salter and visited him during his last days of confinement at the Kaiser Permanente Hospital, the things he did will long be an inspiration.

Richard Salter died yesterday, a 15-year-old victim of the dread leukemia. For four years the ominous knowledge of the almost inevitable future hung low over the Salter household. But Richard did to darkness what love did to hate. He made it disappear.

Burbank High Principal Edward Bedigan called Richard "an outstanding example of American youth....to whom studies and school were the most important thing." A sophomore at Burbank High. Richard was recently elected to serve as vice president of next year's junior class.

As a college prep major, Richard was called "a very outstanding student who fought against overwhelming odds" by Boys Vice Principal Paul Williamson. Richard Salter cleared the air of darkness by taking a vital and active interest in student government.

He was president of the student service organization while at John Muir Junior High. He was elected to various student government offices and took an active part in many school clubs while in junior high. And he spread his light over the rest of the student body as president of the Muir talent club and commissioner of the campus improvement committee. A life scout, Richard Salter was also a member of AZA Boys.

The son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Salter of 642 Tufts Ave.. Richard entered the hospital about two weeks ago weaker than ever before in his long battle, for another series of transfusions. The schoolmates for whom he had tried to do so much offered their thanks through visits and get-well cards.

But yesterday is gone. Funeral services for Richard Salter will be held tomorrow at Mt. Sinai Memorial Park at 2 p.m.

Burbank Daily Review, June 1960