Barry Saltman, M.D.
Age 83, of Mason, MI, passed away September 9, 2019. He was born July 5, 1936, in Toledo, OH, to William and Belene Saltman.
Barry was a 1977 graduate of the MSU College of Human Medicine. He was a practicing physician in Mason, MI, for 30 years. He started the first medical clinic at Cristo Rey and upon retirement started Care Free Medical, based in Lansing. Besides medicine, Barry’s passion was to make you smile or laugh!
He is survived by his loving spouse of 42 years, Suzanne Saltman; children, Lisa (Martha) Saltman, Lori (Gregory) Brasic, David (Mary) Saltman, Gaelin (Alex) Simson, and Ben (Lindsay) Hollister; 7 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; brother, Chip (Norva) Saltman; and 2 nieces and 1 nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Brad and Byron Saltman.
A celebration of Barry’s life will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. on Monday, September 23, 2019, in the Big 10 Room at the Kellogg Center on Michigan State’s campus.
In lieu of flowers, feel free to donate to Care Free Medical for the Barry Saltman Patient Fund.
83 Messages to “Barry Saltman, M.D.”
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Marnee Lone
September 9, 2019 at 9:40 pmI worked for Barry and Suzanne for several years, before moving to Tucsn, AZ. He was easy to work for and had a great client list. It does Not surprise me that he started a clinic. May all be blessed that enter for care. Many blessings to Suzanne and their children!
Pam & Nicole Hogan
October 7, 2019 at 7:06 pmDr Saltman will be truly missed . He was such a caring person and doctor. He cared for myself and my daughter and always took the time to listen and address our concerns. He wasn’t only our Doctor, but a friend as well. RIP Barry and my sincere condolences to his family .
Jill
September 9, 2019 at 9:59 pmIt was a honor and a privilege to work for Dr. Saltman. He taught me so many things over the years. He and Suzanne and Lisa became a part of our family. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family. I will forever remember how I would say” Dr. Saltman and he would reply “who” … With love and respect to you Barry and family!
Sharon hazeloemerich
September 9, 2019 at 10:07 pmI am very sad to hear about dr. Saltman passing away. I worked for him for a brief time and he was the best ever. He taught me how to drink coffee that was 3 days old even if it had mold on it! Rest in Eternal peace my friend. Sharon
Denise Gardner
September 9, 2019 at 10:08 pmDr. Saltman was an incredibly gentle and wise man. Kind and so very generous. He will be missed by so many. My heart go out to Suzanne and the family. God bless you all.
Sue D Weesner
September 9, 2019 at 10:10 pmA great doctor and an even greater man. You will be missed!
Susan O’Berry Rizzo
September 9, 2019 at 10:21 pmI worked with Dr. Saltman at Cristo Rey. He was so patient and kind to me. My sincere condolences to the family.
Kate Lein
September 9, 2019 at 11:11 pmIt was an honor to work at Carefree Medical Clinic with Barry! He was an amazing man who always reached out to others in need. His generous and caring spirit inspired many people, and the clinic is his legacy to this community.
Melissa Zimmerman
September 9, 2019 at 11:31 pmBarry was a great doctor. I seen him at lansing office. He always new how to make u smile. He will be missed deeply
Kurk Prater
September 10, 2019 at 12:11 amhe was my doctor for the past 40 years and one of the few docs my kids have known since they were babies
He will be missed
Becky Frushour
September 10, 2019 at 12:20 amI worked for this remarkable man for almost 10 years. He made me feel that I was not just an employee but a member of his extended family. He really had the biggest heart and could always make me laugh. He cared so much for this community and everyone in it and with Care Free Medical he was able to provide excellent medical care for those that otherwise would not be able to afford it. He will truly be missed by me, my family and the community he served so well! My heart and condolences goes out to all his family that he loved deeply and who were devoted to him. Rest in peace, good doctor and great man.
M. Carmen Meerschaert, M.D.
September 10, 2019 at 1:00 amIt was my distinct pleasure to work with Barry and the staff at Care Free for two years before my retirement in 2013. His tireless efforts to help the under-served in our community were inspirational and deeply appreciated. He truly cared for his patients and students. My prayers go out to Suzanne and Lisa and the rest of the family. His legacy will continue through the efforts of those he has mentored.
Theresa Thompson
September 10, 2019 at 1:25 amYou changed so many lives.
I will always be thankful for you and your huge glowing light of kindness.
Until we meet again; God bless
Theresa
Cora Salyer(Garza)
September 10, 2019 at 6:20 amSo sad to hear this my thoughts and prayers will be with you and the family.
Gretchen Smith
September 10, 2019 at 7:29 amDr. Saltman was a humanitarian, gifted in provided medical care to the disenfranchised. A compassionate community leader who will be missed by many who sought his counsel.
Teresa Wyatt
September 10, 2019 at 8:28 amRest In Peace Dr. Saltman. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
Vicky Hanson
September 10, 2019 at 8:43 amDr Saltman was my doctor forever until he retired the first time. He was a caring man with a great sense of humor. He has given so much to his patients and the people of this community. He will be very missed.
Lauren Sullivan
September 10, 2019 at 8:44 amI am so sorry for your family’s loss. Please know you are in my thoughts.
Julie niswonger & Jane buck & family
September 10, 2019 at 9:34 amGreat wonderful kind living supportive willing to listen help any patience in need I hope the clinic continue to preform in the same style he would have wanted in the future what big heart to feet to full in his memory and way if life no one can ever matter his path and values he gave to us all daily miss him dearly
Kristopher Grieb
September 10, 2019 at 10:05 amDr. Saltman was my doctor for most of my life! He was a kind man, a humanitarian, and I will miss him greatly! My thoughts are with his family and all the people whom his humanity toched over the years!
Kim Jackson
September 10, 2019 at 10:25 amI loved Dr. Saltman when I had him for a doctor. I am so sorry to
Hear about his passing. I will be praying for his family for comfort and peace.
Jerry and Gloria Lapham
September 10, 2019 at 10:25 amWe were so sad to hear of Barry’s passing last night. He was not only our Dr but a friend who wanted to be called by his 1st name. Jerry was one of his 1st patients when they opened Carefree Clinic in the basement in Mason and he was also one of his last as we saw him monthly after Jerry was diagnosed with lung cancer. Jerry was honored when Barry asked him to speak at a fund raiser and we were invited to sit at the head table with him and his family. Our sincerest sympathy and respect to his family, he was a most special man, kind, selfless, honest, dedicated to his patients and much more. It was our honor to have known him. Jerry and Gloria
Nicole Grieb
September 10, 2019 at 10:34 amDr. Saltman was my doctor since I was a baby till he retired, then I no longer had insurance. Until Carefree came around and then there he was again! He was always great. Thank you for being so wonderful, rest in peace.
Evelyn
September 10, 2019 at 11:08 amDr Saltman was a very kind and compassionate man, and doctor. Grace and peace be with Suzanne his family. RIP.
Nancy Gender
September 10, 2019 at 11:18 amBARRY (as he liked to be called) was our family dr. HE CARED FOR YOUR COMMUNITY and Care Free Medical. He was in retirement and helped out with my son with cancer. Prayers to family
William J Swords DO
September 10, 2019 at 11:21 amIt was my good fortune to work with Barry @ Care Free Clinic for 3 years. He was an extremely sympathetic and caring individual who provided a great service to the Lansing Community.
He will be greatly missed
Julia A Powers
September 10, 2019 at 11:24 amDr. Saltman was an amazing doctor and friend and will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Colleen Schwaiger
September 10, 2019 at 12:04 pmI had the honor of working for him for 9 years in Mason. What a kind hearted person. I will miss you very much. You taught me a lot over the years. I even miss all those patients, that I becamed friends with. Bless the whole family.
Tracy Cassle
September 10, 2019 at 12:11 pmI am sad to hear of Barry’s passing. My prayers are with Sue and the family. Barry was my doctor for years and then my Employer. I worked for Barry when he first opened his Wellness Center in Mason on Cedar Street in the old motel. I loved working for him. He was a very funny and good man! He will be missed.
Randy, Bolley
September 10, 2019 at 12:14 pmA truly great man and Doctor, one of the few who put patient first over profit. Thoughts and prayers to the family in your time of sorrow.
Donita Jenks Saterler
September 10, 2019 at 12:15 pmDr Saltman was my doctor for many years. He was my husbands doctor and helped us thru his months with cancer.
My sympathy to Suzanne and his family.
Ed Loftus
September 10, 2019 at 1:47 pmBarry was a wonderful neighbor and friend. His kindness, spirit, intelligence and passion will be deeply missed by us all. He was a courageous advocate of minorities and those less fortunate. Barry’s real legacy, aside from his children, will always be Carefree Medical. Few of us ever get to make a mark that will last past our generation. Barry’s creation of Carefree will endure many generations to come as his generous spirit passes the gift of low cost healthcare forward.
Lisa Saltman
September 11, 2019 at 6:09 amThank you Ed!
Cate Mitchell
October 1, 2019 at 12:36 pmDr. Saltman was truly an angel on earth, a gift to so many people. He was always smiling whenever I saw him at the clinic. Seeing his smile always made me feel so welcome!
Sherri V Halsey
September 10, 2019 at 2:19 pmI surely will miss Dr Saltman.
He always made me smile and felt like he really listened to me and took care of my health needs.
Roxanne Johnson Turner
September 10, 2019 at 3:00 pmWow, I worked with Doctor Saltman years ago for a Medical Access program for the working uninsured. I also worked in the office at Carefree Medical for a substance abuse program. Later after a disability retirement. I promised Barry that I would support his work with Carefree by becoming a patient. I kept that promise until I moved out of state in 2018. I will certainly miss that smile and warm sense of humor. He always treated me with the utmost respect. Rest now my friend for your work here on earth is completed,
Tara Jock
September 10, 2019 at 3:19 pmI had the privilege of having Dr. Saltman as my preceptor when I was a student, and then as a mentor as I started my journey as a new PA at Carefree. He was and always will be the greatest doctor and mentor I have ever met. He was truly one of a kind and such an inspiration to me. I’ll never forget his smile and his kindness. Prayers to Suzanne and the whole family!
Sarah Bannon
September 10, 2019 at 5:13 pmMy deepest sympathy goes out to Barry’s family and all of the countless individuals that he touched throughout his life. I had the privilege of knowing Barry for a couple of decades. His kindness, passion for helping others, and unflagging commitment to helping the Mid-Michigan area will be missed greatly. Rest in peace dear man and know that you made such a difference!
Sarah Bullen
September 10, 2019 at 7:01 pmDr. Saltman was my family’s doctor for most of my childhood. Such a caring, respected man. So sorry for your loss. Keeping your family in my thoughts.
Linda Flamme
September 10, 2019 at 7:14 pmBarry was my doctor for many years and words can express how he will be missed. Such a kind and commpassionet person. My condolences to his family. Heaven gained a true angel who is loved by so many.
Denise Egeland
September 10, 2019 at 7:52 pmI had the honor of working with Dr. Saltman when he was a critical care resident in the ICU. Many late nights shared. Then again, as a NP volunteering at Carefree. Such a pure soul, visionary, mentor, and all around fun man! Hugs to his family.
JOHN V GUARNACCIA
September 10, 2019 at 8:19 pmI didn’t personally have the honor of knowing Dr. Saltman but he was a friend of my late father, Dr. Vincent Guarnaccia, who spoke very highly of him. I in turn went to nursing school with his son, David. So, David, my deepest condolences and wishes for peace for you and all of your family.
Lisa Saltman
September 11, 2019 at 6:08 amJohn, I had the pleasure if working with your father at Mason hospital as a young ward clerk in the Emergency Room. I learned much from him! Such a gentle soul.
Kevin and Becky Oesterle
September 10, 2019 at 8:21 pmA great man and doctor. He and Suzanne were tremendous help and support during a health emergency with our son many years ago. We truely believe he saved our sons life.
Thoughts and prayers to Suzanne and family.
Kimberly Derby
September 10, 2019 at 8:33 pmI had the great honor of starting my medical career with Barry. He gave me the chance to enter the work of medicine! I can not thank him enough! He was such a great and caring man and will be missed! My heart goes out to his lovely wife Suzanne and the rest of his family!! My prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Jennifer Jordan
September 10, 2019 at 9:59 pmHe was there when my world fell apart. Without out him I don’t know if I would have known where to turn. You will be sorely missed
Angela Loomis
September 10, 2019 at 10:34 pmDr. Saltman and staff have always treated me with the utmost care and no judgement. Prayers for his family and his legacy.
Tom Mee
September 11, 2019 at 9:39 amI had the pleasure of serving on the Care Free board with Dr. Saltman and his team for a number of years. I don’t think I’ve ever met a more caring, purely altruistic person in my entire life. The personal sacrifices he made to care for the under-served in the Lansing community are profound. I will never forget him.
Michelle Young
September 11, 2019 at 9:42 amI had the honor of meeting Dr. Saltman at a morning conference a few years back and have ran into him at various events since. Such a great and hardworking man, may he rest in peace.
Ken Axtell
September 11, 2019 at 9:51 amDeepest sympthathy to the family and friends of this dear soul. It was my pleasure and honor to work with Dr Saltman the past 20 years in varioius capacities with his involvement with the McLaren physician hospital organization and as a provider rep to his practices. He was an inspiration to all with his tireless effort to help provide healthcare to the community and treated everyone with respect and dignity. He will sorely be missed. Will always remember addressing him as Dr Saltman and he never failed to correct me gently; ” Ken, my name is BARRY. ” Godspeed Barry, may you be at rest and peace, so well deserved.
Sheryl wright
September 11, 2019 at 10:02 amYou will be missed he was a great man and a great doctor my heart and prayers go out to his family
Walt Sorg
September 11, 2019 at 10:03 amThe King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ – Matthew 25:40
Barry Saltman was a saint and made a lasting impact for a more just world. I will miss his warm smile, easy laughter and unending devotion to those in need.
Karen Slusarski
September 11, 2019 at 11:25 amThis man changed my life, when no one else understood, he did. He was the best Dr I ever had, stopped in to say hi each time I had an appt. I had him a short 2 yrs but he made an impression that will last a lifetime. I am so very saddened by this, my condolences to his family and his work family. Be had such a huge beautiful heart and I know he will be missed terribly.
Dennis
September 11, 2019 at 11:37 amDr Saltman has been my doctor & friend for over 15 years. He will be missed very much. my prayers go out to all his family Dennis
Lynn Jenks
September 11, 2019 at 1:53 pmBarry was my doctor for over 20 years while he was in gen. practice in Mason. When he started Care Free I had the honor of volunteering at the clinic in Mason before he moved it to Lansing. He was a patient, caring Doctor and a wonderful man.
My heart goes out to Suzanne and their children, our world is much darker without him
Carl
September 11, 2019 at 4:33 pmRIP Doctor Saltman…You helped me see daylight in my darkest days.
Lori Brasic
September 13, 2019 at 6:21 amThis is beautiful! Thank you for your reflection on my Dad’s impact on your life. This would have made him happy!
Vicki Guilford
September 11, 2019 at 6:23 pmI saw him at carefree in mason. He told me that if I didn’t take my diabetes medicine, that I would be in trouble. Only saw him a few times, but such a kind man. I ended up getting my own insurance, so I only saw him a few times. Such a sincere and caring man!!!!
Robin Reynolds
September 11, 2019 at 7:53 pmSuzanne and Family
I am so sorry to hear about Barry’s passing. He was a wonderful Mentor, Colleague and Friend. His contributions to the greater Lansing area were many. His compassion for his patients, kept him working tirelessly. Dr. Saltman was not satisfied with “status quo”. He worked every day to improve the medical system for everyone. I will miss his smiling face
May the peace of God be with you.
Lisa Saltman
September 11, 2019 at 9:15 pmWell said, Thank you so much Robin!
earl pierson
September 25, 2019 at 10:30 pmgod bless the family of barry e saltman from a former friend mr, earl f pierson
Mary Boudreau
September 11, 2019 at 9:42 pmDr. Barry Saltman was a great, wise, and honorable person. I learned so much from him. I was working with him the day my own father died and I he was there to comfort me. I pray for comfort for all of you!
Robert Barker
September 11, 2019 at 10:55 pmI have been a patient of Doctor Barry from the beginning of his practice, when he was in the little office across the street from Mason hospital. Rest easy in God’s arms now, your journey is complete. But, you will be missed.
Lisa Sepeter
September 11, 2019 at 11:16 pmBarry made a huge difference in my son’s life. I’d go so far as to say that he saved it. His compassion and understanding will never be forgotten. My condolences to his beautiful wife and family. His legacy will live on. Rest in eternal peace Barry. You will be missed by so very many. My son and I were blessed to know you.
Patricia Bates
September 12, 2019 at 9:51 amI was so sorry to read of the passing of Dr. Saltman. What a true angel, a beacon of the community, and a lifesaver for so many. I came upon Carefree Medical and Dental when my developmentally disabled brother had a dental crisis. When looking for a new dentist for him I needed something he could afford and be close enough to reach. Lo and behold I found Carefree Medical and Dental. The staff is amazing, the care was great, and Tim was able to pay what he could afford. We are blessed in this community to have the selfless work of Dr. Saltman and his staff and all those in the community who have volunteered to give of their professional services and contribute to this wonderful cause. This clinic has helped so many underpriviliged, underserved, and underinsured at a time when there are just no other options. We need so many more angels like him in our world. My brother is no longer with us but I will be forever grateful and feel forever blessed that such a soul lived to help so many in our community. I hope his family finds solace in the love he gave, the mentorship he provided, and his long reaching arms grabbing those who will continue where he left off. My heart goes out to the family, but know he was a true angel!
Suzanne Kirk
September 12, 2019 at 4:14 pmBarry was an exceptional mentor and ethical leader. He had both courage and conviction to invest it his core values. He was a great humanitarian. I will deeply miss his presence but will aim to continue his legacy.
Ellen Lander
September 12, 2019 at 5:51 pmTo David So very sorry for your loss.
Marti DeBoer
September 12, 2019 at 10:02 pm:”Whatsoever you do for the least of these..” Peace and blessings to him and to his family.
Nadine Zimmerman
September 12, 2019 at 11:23 pmI had the pleasure of working for Dr. Saltman briefly. I loved his quirky ways…his jokes..his smile..and how he didn’t make me feel like a outcast in his office. A great man and I am pleased to say I got to work for him.
Sharron Iansiti
September 13, 2019 at 1:58 pmIf it were not for this amazing man and his lovely Suzanne, I would not be here today. His passing is felt deeply.
Lisa Madden
September 13, 2019 at 4:33 pmI never got to meet Dr. Saltman, I have seen him around the clinic. Praise God for his creating the clinic, as I have never received better care anywhere, with or without insurance. Again Praise God for Doctor Saltman
Lynn Ann-Lennon Weller
September 13, 2019 at 10:45 pmDear Lori, My sister Lisa shared with me about the passing of your father, as she is still in East Lansing and working as an administrator for Sparrow Health System. I am so sorry for your loss, my heart breaks for you. Glen and I both lost our mothers and a day never goes by without us thinking of and missing them, still. I’m so sorry and very disappointed that I will not be able to come on the 23rd. Lisa did share with me the article about your dad in the LS Journal. What a lovely and well-deserving tribute. He definitely touched lives and cared deeply for people especially those who needed support, care, and healing. I know it has been quite some time since we connected, but I do vividly remember the look of love and pride in your dad’s eyes as he walked you down the aisle on your wedding day! Please know that you, Gregg, the kids, and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers. With my deepest sympathy and love, Lynn Ann Lennon Weller and Glen B. Weller
Lori Brasic
September 14, 2019 at 8:38 amI am so pleased to hear from you! I have such fond memories of our brief friendship. I hope life is treating you well and I would love to meet you for coffee or something sometime! My email address is Loribrasic@gmail.com
Lois Libiran
September 14, 2019 at 7:49 amMy family had the privilege of being in Doctor Barry’s care while we lived in Mason. His smile helped healed almost as much as his kind soul and wisdom as a doctor. Our sympathy and prayers go out to his beautiful family.
Anna Fisher
September 14, 2019 at 9:16 amAs a social worker in this community, several of my clients with mental illness saw Dr Saltman when he was working at the Health Dept. Dr Saltman was always willing (unlike most other doctors) to take a consultation to help me understand what was going on with my clients. His contribution of love, generosity, and service to this community was EPIC! and will not be forgotten. My sympathies and good wishes to Lisa and Martha, and the whole family.
Kris Steensma,MD
September 14, 2019 at 9:37 pmI shared Medical School training with Barry, and remember how very much he had wanted to be a doctor. He started late in life to do it, but still wasn’t the oldest in our class. He loved learning, and teaching, and caring for others. The arc of his life was devotion to all who needed him, whether family, friends, staff, or patients. He once told me of the immense joy he got from all the people in his life, learning their stories, and sharing some piece of his life with them. You did good, Barry, and fulfilled your lifelong dream of service and love. I’ll miss you.
Greta dewolf
September 15, 2019 at 2:43 pmI send my sympathies to the family. I saw him at some community meeting not long ago and still advocating for all those living in limited funds. Such a humble humanitarian who never gave up. May you family find peace in wonderful memories.
Wendy Swartz
September 16, 2019 at 1:49 pmI worked for Barry and Suzanne many years ago in their family practice in Mason. I remember when he was beginning work at Cristo Rey and started the Carefree Medical Clinic; he had such a passion for helping others! The wisdom I gained from him is unmeasurable and helped to shape the nurse I am today, for which I am forever grateful. Barry was a man who gave so much of himself to serve others. It is because of this that he will live forever in every single heart he has touched. My thoughts and prayers go out to Suzanne and his family during this time of deep sorrow.
Scott Kiesel
September 21, 2019 at 8:01 amThoughts, love and a hug to Lisa and her family. I had one professional interaction with Dr. Saltman . I asked for his help and he helped me . We had never met . Thank you Dr. Saltman .
Glynda Melonson Moorer
September 21, 2019 at 4:01 pmI was also a classmate of Barry’s at MSU CHM and enjoyed his friendship and sense of humor in class. He was determined to help the uninsured and underinsured and that he did. Care free medical and dental will be his lasting legacy. I am so proud of his accomplishments. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family.
Brigitta Bruning
September 23, 2019 at 11:11 amWorked for Barry as a lab technician in Mason for five years. Always appreciated his input and his ideas. Patients loved him. My husband Karl and I also socialized with Susan and Barry and undertook trips with them. We loved the time of togetherness. May Barry rest In Peace and his work go on.
Louis and Aurora Anstett
September 23, 2019 at 5:14 pmCompassionate, gung-ho and indefatigable, Barry was always thinking of others. What a great example of an engaged human being. After working with him for a short while in his Mason family practice and living down the street from Suzanne and he for many years, I lost touch but I never lost what he taught!
Condolences to Suzanne and the rest of his loved ones.
Roger T Young
October 2, 2019 at 6:22 pmRIP Dr. Saltman,
I sat Many hours with Dr. ” Call Me Barry” Saltman,
He was Always Kind and Grateful.
My best to Suzanne …. she was always with Barry, during his treatments …. such a sweet lady.
Sincerely,
Roger Young
Former Apheresis Guy @ Sparrow