Dan R. Salden, Ph.D., age 71, of Maryville, died at 8:35 p.m. Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at Relais Bonne Eau Hospice in Edwardsville.

Dr. Salden was a Professor Emeritus at SIU-E and was founder of the Hawaii Whale Research Foundation. Many grieving family, friends and colleagues recall fond memories and anecdotes of Dan's honesty, kindness, consideration and his devotion to the Hawaii Research Foundation, and his "forever friends" in Hawaii.

He was born September 23, 1940 in San Diego, CA to Daniel P. (a decorated war veteran) and Carrie (Pace) Salden. He is survived by his wife, Delores (Phillips) Salden; his maternal cousins: Cheri Danella (and her daughter Michelle Traegones of North Carolina, and Foy Gurin and Gary Pace.

A Celebration of Dan's Life will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, July 27, 2012 at the SIU-E Religious Center. To learn more about Dr. Dan's research and his many achievements please visit HWRF.org. In lieu of flowers, tax-deductible contributions can be made to the Hawaii Whale Research Foundation at HWRF.org to continue his legacy. Donations can also be mailed to HWRF, PO Box 1296, Lahaina, Hawaii 96767.