Michael Salzman

MALVERN — It is with heavy hearts that the Salzman family must announce the passing of Michael Salzman of Malvern, Ark.

Raised near Salem, Ark., Mike earned a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Arkansas, where he also met his would-be wife, Marsha Arthur of Magnet Cove. Working as an instrumentation specialist, Mike worked at facilities as far flung as Germany and Japan.

A loving husband and father, Mike settled with Marsha in nearby Shreveport, La., to raise a family of two children. A Sabbath keeper and active elder in the local Seventh-day Adventist church, Mike led the local Pathfinder scouting club for more than 20 years, helping hundreds of kids learn to be curious, hardworking and to love the outdoors.

Mike’s success as an engineer afforded him an early retirement with Marsha in Malvern, where they cared for her aging mother, Marie Arthur of Magnet Cove. A Pathfinder Hall of Fame award recipient, Mike continued to volunteer with Pathfinders, both serving the local club, as well as helping to lead the organization at the regional level.

Mike passed early Monday morning after a three-week battle with COVID-19. He is survived by his wife Marsha of 52 years; daughter, Jennifer, her husband Bill, and grandson Sebastian; as well as his son, Nathaniel and his wife Kate.

A visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. today, April 1, at Atkinson Funeral Home in Malvern and will follow CDC guidelines for face coverings and social distancing. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 2, at the Magnet Cove Community Cemetery.

All condolences and tributes can be made at http://www.atkinsonfuneral.net.

Arrangements are entrusted to Atkinson Funeral Home of Malvern.