Michael Hunt Salisbury

Michael Hunt Salisbury, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away at his home with his loving wife, Rebecca, at his side on August 18, 2024. Mike was born on April 5, 1946 in Albion, Michigan, to the Reverend Gerald Alexander Salisbury and Ethel Maxine (Balluff) Salisbury. 

Mike attended school in Bath and Eaton Rapids and graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1964, where he played football, wrestled, and was active in Future Farmers of America. After attending college at Lansing Community College and Central Michigan University, Mike transferred to Utah State University, where he earned a Bachelor's and Master’s of Arts in Agricultural Economics. Mike also graduated second in his Reserve Officer Training Corps class at Utah State and was Commissioned in the Army, serving from 1969 – 1972, first as a junior officer in Panama at the Jungle Training Center and then in Vietnam as an officer in the Military Assistance Command Vietnam where he attained the rank of Captain. After serving his country honorably and receiving the Army Commendation Medal and Bronze Campaign Star, Mike returned to Michigan to work in the Farm Credit banking system and eventually start Salisbury Management Services, where he brought innovative computer accounting, strategic management solutions, and family succession planning to family farms across the United States, from Maine to Michigan and throughout the Pacific Northwest. He took great pleasure in serving on many advisory and non-profit boards, including as President of the American Society of Agricultural Consultants, the Noble Foundation, MJ Clark Memorial Home, Luther Heights Bible Camp, Montcalm Community College, and Stockbridge State Bank. Despite traveling for business over the years, Mike made it a priority to attend sporting events, concerts, plays, and honors assemblies for his children and grandchildren. He continued to enjoy cheering on the team at soccer matches in Kalamazoo even after his grandson graduated. Mike was a lifelong outdoorsman who relished crafting stories and sharing his skills with family, friends, clients, and as a Boy Scout leader. This passion resulted in many adventures: hunting, fishing, canoeing, hiking and camping throughout the US and abroad. 

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; a sister-in-law, Debra Saber-Salisbury (David); a brother-in-law, Robert Osborn (Mary Ann); and a nephew and niece. 

Mike is survived by his wife, Rebecca; former wife, Carolin Spragg; his children, Gregory (Joyce), Kristin (Paul Meeker), Matthew Sturgell (Stephanie), Lt. Colonel Erin Sturgell; his five grandchildren, Ben, Andrew, Eli (Cheyenne), Julia, Caroline; his brothers, Steve, Dave, Mark; and his sister, Mary Ann. 

A memorial will be held at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, 3926 S 9th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. There will be a visitation at the Funeral Home from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm on August 28th and the memorial service will be at 11:00 am on August 29th. Friends are invited to join the family for food and fellowship after the service. Mike will be laid to rest at Ft. Custer National Cemetery at 2:30pm on August 29th, 15501 Dickman Rd, Augusta, MI 49012 following the luncheon.

The family welcomes any memories, stories, or condolences which can be shared at, https://www.langelands.com. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to one of Mike’s favorite places, Luther Heights Bible Camp, at https://www.lutherheights.org.