Glenn E. Salada

Glenn E. Salada, age 64, passed away unexpectedly on July 8th, 2024.  

Glenn was born June 27, 1960, in New Haven, Michigan and was one of twelve siblings. Glenn, along with his siblings, was raised in the country, in a village, Lambs, MI. There was plenty of summer work on the large family vegetable farm, which included trips to the Eastern Market (@ 2 a.m.!) on Saturdays. 

Glenn’s childhood, quite naturally, included running around the countryside exploring, swimming, playing baseball and getting into general mischief which were all long standing family traditions. Glenn, and his siblings attended Memphis High School; and although not a studious person, he was active in school, playing high school football (with his twin brother, Grant) and running track, getting honors in both sports his senior year. 

After high school and traveling around, Glenn, enlisted in the US Navy in the early 80’s – serving several overseas tours on a destroyer, The Claude V. Rickets. After the Navy, Glenn met George Crocker, his business and life partner. Together they opened a classic car museum (The Rear View Mirror) in Nags Head, NC., where Glenn lived (and thrived) for most of his younger years. Glenn eventually became Vice President for Dominos Farms in Ann Arbor where he was in charge of their classic car collection. This took him around the country, car hunting and eventually to the Rose Bowl parade in 1988, driving the grand marshal, Gregory Peck in a 1930’s Italian Bugatti. One of the true loves of Glenn’s life was cars! Glenn could tell you a lot of details about most cars from most decades, going back to the earliest times – with his specialty being cars from the 60’s and 70’s. Glenn could & often would, quote the model, number made, engine types, colors, interior options and a whole bunch of other details too many to list! 

Glenn lived in Battle Creek Michigan the last years of his life, surrounded by other veterans where he made many friends and was part of the veterans’ community there. Glenn was without a doubt, a kind & gentle soul, always willing to give to his neighbor, friend and even a stranger. He had grace, kindness & love and made people feel that they were really appreciated. He was a big family man who loved his family and shared his thoughts many times on the family text line. Glenn was a big believer of love & peace in all forms; his texts & messages always included those beliefs, and he wished well to everyone he met and prayed for peace actively. Glenn’s favorite band was ‘The Cars’ and he would listen to them, often singing along to ‘Let’s Go’. Known for not being a fan of confrontation Glenn, was more of a ‘quote master’, and his most oft cited quote was: “Be someone who makes you happy.” 

Glenn was an active member of the New Apostolic Church and attended with his long-time friend Lisa – where his strong love for Jesus and his words developed and matured. Christianity became very important to Glenn in his life, and his recovery. 

Glenn will be sorely missed by many; he was a great spirit living in a material world. 

Glenn was preceded in death by his parents Margaret E. Salada and Arthur D. Salada, and by his brother, Eric who passed away in 1985. Glenn’s surviving family includes, his brothers and sisters, Steven, Drew, Bruce (Bonnie), Diane (Mike) Davis, Brian, Jeffery, Laurel (m. Rex) Peterson, Grant (Teresa), Beverly (Erik) Owens and Doug (Tanya). Glenn had many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, spread out around the country. 

There will be a memorial service for Glenn, in the fall, his favorite time of year. More info related to this will be on the funeral website – Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Battle Creek. Personal messages for Glenn’s family may be shared at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.