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William Burton “Bill” Saleh, Jr. passed away in Fresno, California on August 16, 2024. Bill was born September 28, 1936 in Chicago, Illinois to William Burton Saleh, Sr. and Kathryn Jesse Saleh. In 1948, Bill’s father moved the family to Fresno. His family attended Memorial Baptist Church where he met the love of his life, Kathleen Ann Totten. Bill and Kathy knew that their meeting was all part of God’s plan, and in 1957, they were married. They were blessed with two sons, Mark and Chris, who he loved dearly. Bill and Kathy loved to travel and spend family time at their dream home in Pacific Grove. They were married for nearly 67 years. In 1949, Bill’s Father started Wm. B. Saleh Co., a paint contracting business. Bill worked for his father for many years and in 1970, he purchased the business. Over the next 30 years, Bill built the business and established offices in Bakersfield and Monterey. It serviced the entire state of California and selected out of state projects. In 2000, he stepped down as president of the company to hand the reins to Mark, who he worked with until he retired. Bill was a respected businessman in the Fresno area and throughout state. He had the honor to work with some of the best in the construction industry. One of the greatest passions of Bill’s life was Scouting. Shortly after moving to Fresno, he joined the Boy Scouts of America. He worked hard, holding every youth position of leadership and advancing through the ranks, attaining the Eagle Scout rank. In 1977, he experienced one of the highlights of his life when he took Mark and Chris to the National Boy Scout Jamboree in Pennsylvania. Bill was associated with the Boy Scouts for over 60 years. His legacy in Scouting transcended generations with Chris achieving the Life rank, and Mark and grandson Nicholas achieving the Eagle Scout rank. Bill had a rich life, blessed with his loving wife, family, and wonderful friends. Recently, he was blessed with four great-grandchildren; however, the greatest love of his life is his Lord, Jesus Christ. He did his best to live a life that honored the Lord—a life of confidence in his faith and the blessed assurance of an eternal relationship with Jesus Christ. A visitation for Bill will be held Thursday, September 12, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Chapel of the Light, 1620 W. Belmont Ave., Fresno CA 93728. A celebration of his life will be held Friday, September 13, 2024, 11:00 AM at Peoples Church, G. L. Johnson Chapel, 7172 N. Cedar Ave, Fresno, CA 93720. A graveside service will be held Friday, September 20, 2024, 1:00 PM at El Carmelo Cemetery, 68 Asilomar Ave., Pacific Grove, CA 93950. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Peoples Church or the Fresno Mission in memory of Bill.

Tributes

William Burton "Bill" Saleh Jr.

September 28, 1936 - August 16, 2024