Vernon J. Golay

I decided in 2006 that I would write my own obituary. I was born on a sheep ranch near Conda, Idaho on January 10, 1930 as the first son of Elmer and Rose Lynch Golay. A daughter Mary followed and another son Gary completed our family. After living in various towns in Idaho the family moved to Madras, Ore. where I graduated from high school June 1948. I joined the U.S. Navy in October 1948 and served in San Diego, Corpus Christie, Texas and Memphis, Tenn. In October 1948, I was accepted to the Naval Aviation Cadet program in Pensacola, Florida. After 18 months of training there and in Corpus Christie, Texas I was awarded my wings and a commission as Ensign USNR. After a short stay in San Diego, I was assigned to Naval Station Kwajalein flying the PBM and doing search and rescue for aircraft on their way to and from Korea. On return from Kwajalein I served about 6 months with VP50 and then transferred to Fasron 8 in Alameda as an instrument instructor in jet aircraft. I met and married Helen Salsbury in 1952 and fathered two daughters, Pamela and Lisa Golay. On my release from active duty I entered the University of Oregon as a pre-dental student, graduated as a Doctor of Dental Medicine in 1960. I moved to Salem and opened an office in West Salem to practice dentistry until my retirement in 1999. After a divorce in 1962 I married Dorris Cline Galinnis. This turned out to be the smartest thing I ever did. She and I were meant for each other. She supported, loved, and worked with me for more than 40 years. I remained in Navy Reserve, attained the rank of Commander DC USNR. I will be survived by my wife, Dorris; step-daughter, Kathe Celestine; daughter, Pamela Latimer; grandsons, Ben and Alex; daughter, Lisa Mathis; and granddaughter, Cortnie Semple. I made arrangements to be cremated and placed in a vault at Restlawn Cemetery. During my life here in Salem, I contributed and volunteered many meaningful hours of time: 1980-8: President, Ore. Academy of General Dentistry; 1979-81: Member Peer Review MPI/Dental Society; 1976-79: Visiting Staff, Salem Hospital; 1974: UGM Chairman, Dental Society; 1974-75: Board of Directors, Salem Boys Club; 1973: Salem Chamber of Commerce; 1980: Chairman of Board Directors Salem Public Library; 1992: Fix it Brigade Senior Center; 1994: Mentor at Salem Boys Club; 2002: Given the Vern Miller Key Citizen Award for service to the citzens of Salem. Many times while flying I hoped I might get supersonic - Now I have. A Navy Military Salute will be conducted at the Crypt, at 2:30 p.m. Monday, January 18, 2010.