PORTLAND, Ore. — Bob Sallinger was a well-known conservationist who cared about the environment and wildlife. Those who knew him told KGW he passed away unexpectedly sometime on the evening of Oct. 30.
At the time of his death, Sallinger was the director of two nonprofits: Bird Conservation Oregon which he founded a few years ago, and Willamette Riverkeeper, recently taking over the executive director role in June of this year.
"It was jaw dropping, shocking and heart stopping for me," said Michelle Emmons, the deputy director of Willamette Riverkeeper. "There are no words, it was horrific."
She said he was a great leader and doesn't believe anyone can replace him.
“He's going to be a very difficult leader to try and come up behind,” she said. "I don't’ think anyone's going to be able to fill Bob’s shoes, he always put everyone else first before himself."
Others like Mike Houck, who is on the board of Sallinger's nonprofit as well as director of the Urban Green Spaces Institute said the news left him heartbroken.
“We were incredibly tight — and I am devastated," he said.
“Bob gave literally his life to urban conservation, and actual conservation issues across the native Oregon. I don't think there's anyone living or past who has had a bigger impact on conservation issues than Bob Sallinger has statewide," he continued.
Houck spoke about some of the work Sallinger did.
“The most productive peregrine falcon nest in the state is on the Fremont bridge. Bob was the one who actually would climb up to the top of the Fremont bridge to monitor that nest. Got volunteers into the river in their kayaks, when the young fledged and they fell in the river — they would rescue them," he said.
Houck also touched on some of the impactful developmental work Sallinger was involved with.
“He took a key role in ensuring that as this development went in, there would be a wide Willamette River Greenway," he said, referring to the South Waterfront Greenway. "There wouldn't be a habitat for fish and wildlife along that greenway without his involvement. There would be a bunch of rocks totally devoid of habitat."
Even those with a more professional relationship with Sallinger also felt the loss.
“It’s a huge loss, a huge loss," said John DeVoe, the senior advisor to the WaterWatch board.
“He's changed many places in Oregon for the better, the MalheurNational Wildlife Refuge, Elliott State Forest, many urban areas around Portland. He was one of the few who really focused on urban conservation — which was very important."
"He was very instrumental in getting a bond measure passed that ended up acquiring a lot of green spaces in the Portland metro area and developing greater protection for those green spaces," he continued.
DeVoe said Sallinger was a source of comfort, and he knew if he was on the issue there would be good results.
Sallinger also used to be the conservation director at Audubon Society of Portland, now known as the Bird Alliance of Oregon.
Houck said the police found Sallinger at work, after concern grew from his family when he wasn't responding to messages.
“He was in the office at Willamette Riverkeeper, and I think it's emblematic of his doggedness and his ability to work 24/7," said Houck.
He was 57-years-old and is survived by his wife and three children.
“Many of these green spaces would not exist if it wasn't for his advocacy and his efforts. So if you live in Portland, if you enjoy parks, if you enjoy green spaces, you owe a debt of gratitude to Bob Sallinger," said DeVoe.