Melvin Salmonsen

Melvin (Buck Shot) Salmonsen passed away April 1, 2018. Buck as he was called by his friends, was born in Dillon July 30, 1934 to Elmer and Mary Salmonsen. Buck spent the majority of his youth on the Brown Ranch up Blacktail with Eva and Ansel Brown and Buster and Helen Brown. After graduation from Beaverhead County High School he moved to Billings. He worked for the Carter Oil Refinery. He met Robin Fell and married her in 1957. Two children were born of this union, daughter Debbi Lynn and son John. Robin and he later divorced. Buck was a strong Union man and joined the operating engineer and worked on the Clark Canyon Dam to it’s completion. He was a lifetime member of the Union with over 45 years. Buck met and married Jo Anne Foster, one son Lee was born of this union. Buck and Jo Anne later divorced. He was preceded in death by his son John and ex-wife Robin and brothers Larry and Bill. He is survived by daughter Debbi, and grandchildren Jane and John, and son Lee, sister-in-law Lou Salmonsen, and long time devoted friend and care giver David Spehar.