Who was Bob Sallinger? Tributes pour in as Oregon legend and iconic environmental conservationist passes away
Bob Sallinger was a prominent wildlife advocate and the founder of Bird Conservation Oregon, who passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 30, at the age of 57. Daily Tidings reported on November 3, that although the cause of his death is still unknown, several of his coworkers allegedly think that his excessive work hours and stress may have played a role.
Additionally, as per Oregon Live's report from the same day, Bird Conservation Oregon board member Kaitlin Lovell paid her tribute and stated:
“No one, living or past, has done more for environmental conservation in the Portland region or across the state than Bob Sallinger.”
Bob Sallinger was a pioneer in wildlife activism and a cornerstone of Oregon's conservation community. He was also the Conservation Director with Portland Audubon for 30 years, having retired in 2023.
After the news went public, people took to X to pay their tribute. One user tagged Sallinger as “an environmental hero”, while another one called him a “respected leader, mentor, and friend.”
“We mourn the death of Bob Sallinger, an environmental hero. May his memory be a blessing to all Portlanders. Together, let us continue his work,” wrote one user.
“I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of a respected leader, mentor, and friend, Willamette Riverkeeper Executive Director Bob Sallinger,” another person said.
“This is very sad news. Bob leaves an environmental legacy of great accomplishment that will inspire generations to come. He will be deeply missed,” another X user said.
“My condolences to Bob’s friends & loved ones. He will be hugely missed,” another X user expressed their condolences.
Other netizens also shared the same sentiment. Some said that his death is a “loss beyond measure”, while others claimed that he was “compassionate,” and “thoughtful,” and will be “missed.”
“The passing of Bob Sallinger is a loss beyond measure. My heavy heart is with his family, loved ones, and the conservation communities across Oregon,” said another netizen.
“Such a devastating loss for Oregon,” another person wrote.
“Can’t believe I’ll never get to talk w Bob Sallinger again. Such a brilliant and unforgettable person RIP and thank you Bob,” said another X user.
“Bob Sallinger was a compassionate, thoughtful, and tireless advocate... He will be missed,” wrote another X user.
Bob Sallinger was an environmental conservationist
As a conservationist, Sallinger successfully collaborated with an organization that supports feral cats and safeguards urban birds called the Bird Alliance of Oregon and the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon. Additionally, Bob Sallinger was a partner in the non-profit organization High Desert Partnership, located in Hines, Oregano.
According to their website, in 1992 he discovered an injured Prairie Falcon. He then ended up staying and assisting at Portland Audubon's Wildlife Hospital after taking it there. That's where he got to know Katy Weil, his future wife, who was in charge of the Wildlife Care Center run by the charity. He ended up managing the animal hospital for almost 15 years after being hired as temporary help.
He performed numerous chores at the center, including cleaning, dishwashing, preparing animal food, feeding the animals, and providing medical attention to animals in rehabilitation. Furthermore, he was also among the pioneers of the Comprehensive Conservation Plan for the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.
As per the website, Bob and Audubon have been key collaborators in the Harney Basin Wetlands Collaborative and the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan Collaborative.
On the other hand, conservationists and campaigners have praised Sallinger's influence on the state in the days following his passing, citing the innumerable projects he led or actively participated in. They further claimed that he was a dependable collaborator, worked legendary long hours, was versatile and a brilliant speaker, and frequently took on new environmental issues.
Sallinger is survived by his 3 children and his wife and more details regarding his passing and funeral are yet to be revealed.