Age catches up all with us and it finally has for an Engineering Branch legend, Al Salmon.
I think many would agree that Al influenced the careers of so many technical staff in the halcyon days of Engineering Branch in the late 1960’s and the 1970’ until he took leave to establish his own very successful Marine business in Sorrento, Victoria.
Al had the ability to turn a blank canvas into a work of art. Guam Cable Station at the Northern end of Seacom is a great example of this. But Al did not do things on his own and it was his ability to relate to and mentor his team members that was amazing. Al did not own the job, his team did.
Although I had known Al for a number of years, in about 1973 I was assigned to work as one of his TO 11’s at Broadway alongside Jeff (Harold) Hatchman and editor Mick (Mouse) Callaghan. After having been in Head Office until then, a stint in the field was what I needed to develop and who better to have as my boss than Al. I loved my time at Broadway and, to this day both me and wife Robyn see Al regularly.
Life for Al is never dull and for many years since his retirement has contributed generously to various aspects of the Noosa Classic Car Club.
Al will celebrate his 80th birthday with his family and friends at his home in Buderim on the Queensland Sunshine Coast.
I would like to think that all of us can wish Al a very Happy 80th Birthday. Hip hip hooray!
Rob McAulay.
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After a trip through countless photos here is a picture of Al Salmon with his beloved wife, Judy and my wife Robyn aboard his cruiser in the Whitsundays Queensland. Unfortunately Judy passed away in, we think, 2010.
Hope this is useful. Al was not one to be in front of a camera.
Rob McAulay