Mingle
Larkin Mortuary
260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City, UTMonday Feb 2, 2026: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
1981 ~ 2026
Larkin Mortuary
260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City, UTMonday Feb 2, 2026: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
David lived with an entrepreneurial spirit and a natural ability to lead. Throughout his life, David held multiple leadership roles where he didn’t just build businesses and teams, he helped build people. He believed deeply in second chances and had a rare gift for seeing potential where others might not. David genuinely wanted to see people win, and many are better for having been encouraged, trusted, and championed by him.
Driven by adventure, David embraced life with energy and curiosity. He found freedom on the slopes while skiing and joy on the trails while mountain biking, always seeking the next challenge or experience. His quick wit and sometimes dark sense of humor were unmistakably his; often catching people off guard, but always delivered with warmth and authenticity. David lived boldly, cared deeply, and left a lasting impact on the lives he touched.
David is survived by his father, Robert Saltsman of St. Petersburg, FL, his mother, Gail Miller of Baltimore, MD, and his daughter, Aryani Odie also from Baltimore.
A celebration of life will be held on Monday, February 2nd, 2026 from 6-8pm at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84111. You may watch the celebration online through Zoom using the "Watch Service" button above.
David Salesman worked his way up from bookkeeper to CEO over more than a decade with me at Whipple Service Champions. Everything written in his obituary is true. He was an amazing, caring, and compassionate leader. He constantly went to bat for people—often with me as the owner—to help them succeed in business. More than once, he protected others (and the company) from some of my own less-than-brilliant ideas, and for that I’m grateful.
The business grew dramatically during the years David worked with me. I feel incredibly fortunate to have met him, to have recognized his ability early on, and to have had the wisdom to keep increasing his responsibilities and opportunities as his talents grew. He blessed me and everyone who worked with him.
We didn’t always agree—but when we didn’t, he was usually right.
I’m deeply saddened by his passing, but I also feel peace knowing that our time working together at Whipple Service Champions was a positive chapter in his life—one where he was able to develop, refine, and showcase his gifts. He became better and better over time. I truly hope he felt that working at Whipple was a strong and positive influence in his life as well.
David left the company just as it was about to be sold. I will always be grateful for all he did for me and for the many people whose lives he touched.
Dear Robert, Gail, and Aryani,
I pray that you find strength during this difficult time. Walking with him on part of his journey increased my faith and for that I’ll be forever grateful.
My condolences to you all,
Enzo
Gail, Bob & Aryani,
I am sending Love and Light to you as you celebrate David’s life and mourn this unspeakable loss. While David and I lost touch in our adult lives, I deeply cherish the bond we had in our childhoods, and thank you for trusting me to be his “big sister.” May you find comfort in the joys and the love you shared. With love and condolences, Amy
Our friendship was brief only because I had just met you within the last couple months but you was different, caught me off guard, something special about you, something honest you didn’t find in to many people. You had this light about you, and a brilliant mind. You truly will be missed. Rest in peace my friend!
I will miss David! He was a great neighbor and friend! He was my “Wilson” and maybe I was his! (Home Improvement reference) We often talked to each other over the fence about life, its hardships and joys! He was funny, smart, successful, and adventurous! We helped him and he helped us with neighborly needs! So sad to know he’s gone and we’ll never talk over the fence again!
💛 Stacy