Gregory “Greg” Rod Salo, age 72, passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on February 12, 2025, in Butte. Born on October 1, 1952, to Rod and Dolores Salo, Greg lived a life rich in sports and education.
Greg’s early years were marked by a passion for athletics. A standout at Butte High, he excelled in multiple sports, earning numerous accolades. He was 1st team All State in football for three years and achieved the honor of being a high school All American his senior year. Greg was a three-year letterman in football and basketball and a four-sport letterman his senior year, excelling in football, basketball, golf, and track. He was also awarded Outstanding Athlete at Butte High that year. He played in the East/West Shrine game in 1970.
After high school, Greg’s football journey led him to UCLA, where he played for a year before returning to the University of Montana, where he played football and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education in 1975. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Education with an endorsement in Guidance and Counseling from Western Montana College.
Greg was a teacher, counselor, and coach who touched many lives. His career began at the U of M. He then had numerous stops including St. Ignatius, Western Montana College, Shelby, Montana State University, Bozeman High, and Libby, before returning to MSU. He then went to Whitehall, Butte High, and concluded his professional journey at Whittier Elementary. During this time, he was also an assistant coach in the 1989 East/West Shrine game and the head coach for MT in the 2007 MonDak game.
On August 4, 1973, Greg married Deby Finberg. Together, they had three children. Greg loved to golf, fish, play Pinochle and Bridge, watch all sports, and listen to music. Later in life he was honored as a Silver and Golden B and had memberships at the Butte Country Club and the Elks.
Greg was preceded in death by his son, Kurtis Salo; parents, Rod and Dolores Salo; in-laws, Harry and Mildred Finberg; sisters-in-law, Harriet Anderson and Marcia Tierney; and brothers-in-law, George Tierney and Gary Ericson.
Greg is survived by his wife, Deby Salo; son, Steven Salo; daughter, Traci Salo; sisters, Nikki Carlson (Don) and Lori Morin (Mike); brother, Scott Salo (Sheri); sister-in-law, Marilyn Ericson; brother-in-law, Don Anderson (Peggy); cousins, Dannette Sullivan and John Sullivan; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Celebration of Greg’s Life will be at 12pm on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at the Butte Country Club, 3400 Elizabeth Warren Ave. in Butte. A party, in honor of Greg, will follow at the Country Club. Greg will be laid to rest a B’Nai Israel Cemetery on Montana Ave in Butte.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Greg are suggested to the George Tierney Scholarship Fund, C/O Shawna F., Butte High School, 401 S. Wyoming St., Butte, MT 59701, or to the Harriett Anderson Memorial Scholarship Fund, 6103 Hobson Ln., Missoula, MT 59803.
Please visit below to offer condolences to the family or share a memory of Greg.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services is privileged to care for Greg and his family.
Shavon Baltezar says
Loved this man ! Il miss him !
Teacher, Client and most important friend! I always looked forward to his upcoming appointments for haircut and shaves, taking care of his toenails, hearing his stories and him loving to bring me wine or my favorite vodka as a tip ! He always loved contributing to my daughter’s dance fundraisers, a big supporter! on his final days, I was blessed to see him all of a sudden he opened his eyes, looked at me and said do I owe you money? His last words to me ❤️❤️ bless u buddy ! New body in Christ ! Prayers for all!
Peggy O’Sullivan says
Sending sincere condolences to Greg’s family and numerous friends. Although it had been 50 years since I saw him when we were in high school together, he was just as friendly and nice as could be at our 50 (51) year class reunion. Rest in peace.
Matt Buckley says
Greg Salo….a most accomplished athlete and coach… yet he always remembered folk and knew who they were. As a teacher and coach, he was most special he took genuine interest in all and treated all with same respect be they administrators, teachers, coaches, offices staff, kitchen staff or custodians…every day , Greg Salo greeted all and showed sincere interest in their lives… he was the same with the kids…evetry one….athlete or not…Greg Salo truly cared. Greg Salo…great athlete, great coach and a friend t all
Pat "Paddy" Kelly says
1969 Butte Thanksgiving Tournament, my first ever Varsity matchup was with Mr. Salo. He schooled me
the entire evening. Shook my hand at game’s end and said, “You’ll do fine tomorrow night against Butte
Central, don’t take any ‘Crap’ from them.” I was a great deal more relaxed on night 2.
Karen Stout says
I knew Greg since kindergarten at the old McKinley grade school, and went through Jr High, Butte High and college at the U of M with him. I would see him over the summers playing golf at the Butte Country Club. I will always have fond memories of him. Sincere sympathy to Greg’s family. May he rest in peace.
Susie Hogart says
Greg was such an amazing Butte guy! He would never pass me by without stopping to talk, and always asked how I was doing. He was the kind of man who everyone loved, and he especially held a special spot in his heart for the kids of Butte. I’ve known Greg my whole life, but I got to know him on a personal level while teaching at the Whittier school. His compassion was second to none, and always put the students first.
I am so sorry for the loss of a wonderful and caring man. I wish his family my most sincere sympathy.
Susie Hogart
Joe Navarro says
Condolences. Friend to the kids and to me thru the years at the Whittier. Always happy and a friend for many years after retirement . Rest easy Greg and no I did not steal your candy!
Bruce Sayler says
Butte lost a great one, both as a sports guy and a human being. A conversation with Greg was always a good one. We’ll miss him much. Condolences to Greg’s family and his many, many other loved ones.
Pattie Lambert says
I remember Greg from many, many rears ago, Deby and family, my condolences go out to each and every one of you.
Kelly Ferriter says
Coach Salo was such a positive influence for so many people including my kids who still talk about him. He always had a positive message and a fun story to tell, and I am grateful we got to know him through our years at Whittier. You will be missed Coach!
Sheila Buckley says
My sympathy to the family.
He was a great man. I enjoyed working with him at the Whittier Elementary school.
Sheldon Brien says
RIP Mr.Salo condolences to his family
Dan English says
Greg and I were at the Coaches’ Clinic in Great Falls in 1978 and went to lunch at Burger King, gastrointestinal performance clearly different in 1978, and while in line, a fellow, raising his voice, addressed the cashier/server. Opening his hamburger to illustrate his point to the poor sophomore at CMR, the dissatisfied customer asked the lad whether this was really a quarter pound hamburger!? To which the lad dutifully responded per training manual, “the quarter pound refers to the weight prior to being cooked.” Greg looked at me and said just loud enough for our irate customer to hear, “Imagine how this guy will handle something that is really important in the future…” Needless to say, the dissatisfied Burger King customer is long gone. Greg will be with us forever.
James Mee says
While in Libby he was a pleasure to know and play golf with. He was a good friend and many of us enjoyed knowing him.
Keith Ori says
Always a gentleman. My condolences to the Salo family. RIP Greg.
Sandra Honeychurch says
Sending heartfelt condolences to the Salo family. From the playground at McKinley School to a star on the football team in high school, and then I got to see him coach in Libby. I am sure he will be dearly missed.
Deanna says
Sending condolences to the Salo family. My dad enjoyed working with Greg in Libby and I had him as a teacher and have fond memories from the golf course and pep rallies. L O G G E R S
Sandi Waldo says
To Deby, Steve and Tracy. Please accept my heartfelt condolence in the loss of Steve. He certainly touched many lives and will certainly be missed. I will be saying prayers for comfort during this difficult time.
Bob Turnquist says
Greg was always a great friend and teammate. He always had words of wisdom and a great sense of humor. I’m sure his students learned many great lessons both in the classroom and on the field. He left way too soon. We will see you again.
Jerry Sullivan says
Greg was a childhood friend and college house mate. He was a good friend a fierce competitor in any athletic endeavor. More importantly he was a great guy. My condolences to Deby and the family. He is missed by myself and many others.
Rod Tempel says
Delightful putt, but if you don’t hit it at least as far as the cup it will never go in! A word I still use often and think of Greg each time!
John & Margie Melvin Mansanti says
Dear Salo Family and friends-Condolences for the loss of your beloved , Greg. He was a hero to you and so many others, leaving a lasting legacy as an athlete, coach, teacher counselor, friend and family man. May he rest in peace.
John and Margie Melvin Mansanti
Barbara and Dave Searle says
Our love, thoughts, and prayers go out to all the Salo family.