Empire, MI - Chester "Chet" Flavius Salisbury passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his sons, dear friends, and family, after a life richly lived between Empire, Michigan, and Dundee, Scotland.

Born in Traverse City on October 27, 1948 and raised in Empire, Chet was the son of Jeanette and Chester Salisbury. His family had deep roots in the Empire community, where his parents owned the downtown hardware store and Chet spent much of his childhood in the apartment above the store. He remained deeply connected to northern Michigan throughout his life and treasured the lifelong friendships he built there. His faith also remained important to him, and he was a longtime member of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Empire.

Chet graduated with the Glen Lake High School Class of 1966 and attended Central Michigan University. He served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, including one year in Vietnam as an engineer. After returning home, he completed his education and went on to a long career in elementary education, spending much of his teaching career in Traverse City and Dundee, Scotland, where he built lasting friendships with students, colleagues, and community members.

A talented athlete throughout his life, Chet played football and basketball and later developed a passion for soccer while coaching his sons' teams as they grew up. He went on to help start the Traverse City High School men's and women's soccer teams and greatly enjoyed both coaching and following the sport. He was also known as a gifted conversationalist whose interests ranged from art and literature to sports, travel, and current events. Chet also had a deep affection for animals and especially treasured the companionship of his beloved dog, Artie.

An avid golfer, Chet especially loved golfing in Scotland, where he became friends with many of the caddies at St. Andrews Golf Course (especially Les). He delighted in sharing his love of Scotland with family and friends by bringing them overseas to experience the places and people that had become so meaningful to him. Scotland became a second home to him, and he returned often after retirement, drawn back by the people, the landscape, and the golf.

Chet will be remembered for his warmth, wit, adventurous spirit, and the unique life he built between Michigan and Scotland.

He is survived by his sons, Stuart and Collin; his beloved grandchildren, Olive, Maude, Rowen, and Marin; his brother, Fred; Sally Salisbury, the mother of his children; and numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, extended family members, and dear friends in both the United States and Scotland. Throughout his life, Chet treasured the enduring friendships he shared with Charles and Dorothy Wepking, Cliff Mcclain, John Judd, Jack Rader, Mike Montgomery, and many others whose companionship remained an important part of his life from childhood onward.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 10, at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Empire, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. A luncheon at the church will follow.

Please send flowers to St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Empire.